Benicia’s position as a cultural and governmental center ended in the late 1850s.  After a period of inactivity, Benicia came to life as an industrial and port city.  Beginning with the tanneries in the late 1860s to the creameries, cannery, shipbuilding, cement works, flour mill, agricultural equipment, shipping and railroad among others, Benicia was becoming California’s future Manchester city.  Benicia’s climate, its deep-water port, its magnificent site, its “wide-awake” board of trade, and its up-to-date utilities contributed to its prosperity by 1900. 

The new Industrial Exhibit in the Silas Casey building will take you through this industrial history with artifacts that represent the various industries that made Benicia an important port city. 

Blacksmith equipment and pickaxe boat	Model of Benicia Martinez ferry in transportation area
Two-man basket for painting Bay Area bridges and an old wood Benicia water pipe	The storyboards will inform the visitor about Benicia's industrial history

2060 Camel Road. Benicia CA. 94510
 Tel. (707) 745-5435   Fax. (707) 745 5869