Museum of History Benicia

"The History of California is Written in the Story of Benicia." The Benicia Historical Museum shares the story of Benicia’s place in the history of California and how this history relates to the development of our country pre- and post statehood. The name, Camel Barns Complex, comes from one of Benicia’s unique contributions to US Military history. In the 1850’s and 1860’s, the US Army experimented using camels — imported from the Mideast — as pack animals. After the advent of the Civil War the experiment was abandoned. The remaining camels were brought to the Benicia Arsenal to be auctioned to the public, and housed behind what is now our Museum. Museum Hours: Friday and Saturday 1 pm to 4 pm Office Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 am to 4:30 pm