Added on 12/18/08

Perched above the Carquinez Strait, the sleepy little town of Benicia is a rich nugget of California history. Its former incarnations include the capitol of California, the Solano County seat and the location of the militarily significant Benicia... See more

Perched above the Carquinez Strait, the sleepy little town of Benicia is a rich nugget of California history. Its former incarnations include the capitol of California, the Solano County seat and the location of the militarily significant Benicia Arsenal. Though the political and military movers-and-shakers are long gone, they left behind a legacy of beautiful old structures like the Jefferson Street Mansion. Built in 1861 for the commanding officer of the Arsenal, this classical Federal Italianate-style building was purchased by current owner Reed Robbins in 1997. Since then, she has spared no expense to renovate, retrofit and restore the Mansion, giving it a new lease on life as a fabulous special event venue. Once inside the Mansion, turn to your right and enter the magnificent double parlors, whose cream and pale green washed walls are adorned with custom gilt molding and medallions. The twelve-foot-high windows have sumptuous wine velvet drapes, bedecked with gold fringe and tied... See less