Photo courtesy of Benicia Historical Museum

Pictured: The Commandant's Residence was built in 1860 on the grounds of the Benicia Arsenal. It was designed in the Greek-Revival style as a 20 room mansion, complete with Greek inspired columns, hipped roof, 14 foot high ceilings and thick double walls. Many of the interior artistic features were of imported Philippine mahogany. Original construction cost was $35,000. This photo was taken circa 1912. In 1964 the Arsenal closed and the building was no longer government property. For several years it served as a restaurant (called "Commandant's Residence Restaurant" of course). The building still stands across the parking lot from the Clock Tower.

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David G. Farragut

Once commander of the Mare Island Naval Yard, Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801 - 1870) is famous in U.S. Navy tradition for his order at the battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".

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The Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, created to promote interest in genealogical and historical study and research, to preserve and maintain interest in local history and to conduct such projects as shall contribute to that end and which include the acquisition and maintenance of a genealogical library, including a Vallejo-Benicia collection, for members, non-members and the community at large.