San Jose, California Established As The First Capital For The State Of California

In 1849, the California State delegation in Monterey, where the former Mexican capital of California was, established the city of San José as the first capital of the state of California. After he capital was moved to Vallejo, Benicia and to Sacramento the former San José Capital Building was abandoned and eventually demolished.

In 1923, the Native Sons of the Golden West placed a plaque in a park where the capital building once stood.

The State Capital Building in Benicia is the only former state capital building that presently exists.