Benicia, California

Benicia, incorporated in 1850, is a waterfront city in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Benicia's approximately 28,000 residents enjoy a city rich with history and the charms of small town life. In addition to neighborhoods of older homes and housing developments, the city offers an industrial park, home to the Valero Oil refinery, a state recreation area, and a shopping district on historic First Street. The Benicia Arsenal's Civil War-era buildings house a historical museum and artist's lofts.

Benicia was founded in 1847 by Lieutenant Robert Semple and Thomas O. Larkin on land deeded to them by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. By year's end, the town had 15 buildings, a wharf, a hotel, and a store. In 1850, Benicia's first significant industry arrived as the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company established wharves and shops there. The city’s high number of schools, including a seminary and a convent school , earned it the nickname "the Athens of California”. The influence of these schools, some of which operated into the 20th century, contributed to the town's reputation for culture and a civilized atmosphere. In the 1860's, the original Mexican land grants were invalidated, prompting a fresh influx of settlers and entrepreneurs. New businesses included a cement plant, a cannery, and the Brown & McKay Tanners. The Benicia Water Company formed in 1879, partly to meet the tannery's high demand for water. In the 1960s, two events had a lasting impact on Benicia's economy. The Benicia Arsenal, then a United States Army armory and a major employer, closed, causing some loss of revenue until the Humble Oil refinery opened in 1969. Around the same time, the Benicia-Martinez Bridge was completed, linking Benicia to San Francisco and Oakland. Benicia transitioned from a blue-collar industrial town to a white-collar commuter suburb, and the population increased steadily from 1970 to 1995.

In the 20th century, Benicia has seen much industrial and construction activity, making asbestos exposure, and asbestos-related diseases, an ongoing concern. Mesothelioma physicians in and around Benicia are listed at the bottom of this page. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer in Benicia, you should also consider contacting a mesothelioma attorney for legal advice.

Jobsites in Benicia where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Benicia, CA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Benicia, CA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Benicia, CA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Benicia, CA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Benicia, CA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.