• Home
  • About Us
    • JoinCalifornia
    • Use as a Reference
  • California 175
    • 1849-1850 Events
    • Events Calendar
  • Political History
    • 2021 Senate to Assembly District Table
    • Covering the Capitol
    • Scott Lay’s Sofa Degree
    • Legislative Committee Reports
    • Legislative Staff
    • Term Limits in California
    • Notable No Votes
    • Redistricting
  • Nelson S. Dilworth Collection
    • California’s Military History
  • Leroy F. Greene Collection

One Voter Project

The Online Home of California's Political History

California Capitols Tour

The Senate Chambers in the State Capitol at Benicia

Monterey was the California’s capital while the area was part of Mexico. Monterey was where the United States flag was first raised in California and where the first state constitution was written. Following statehood, San Jose, Vallejo, Sacramento, Benicia, and San Francisco have all been state capitals.

Even after Sacramento was selected as the capital, it wasn’t immediately clear where in the city the capitol would be located. The current State Capitol has been the permanent seat of the state government since 1869. The Capitol is open seven days a week from 8 am to 6 pm. Additionally, docents from the California State Parks provide free guided tours from 9 am to 4 pm.

Visitors should be aware that because the building is still home to the Legislature and the Governor’s office, security stations are located at the entrances to screen for weapons.

 

Monterey (1774-1849)
San Jose (1849-1851)
Vallejo (1852-1853)
Benicia (1853-1854)
Sacramento (1852-1869)
San Francisco (1862)
Sacramento (1869-Now)

Recent News

New 2025 “California Lawmaker” Released

December 14, 2024

The new edition of "California Lawmaker" by JoinCalifornia.com editor Alex … [Read More...]

Legislative Retirement

December 8, 2024

In December 2024, Assemblyman Corey Jackson introduced legislation (ACA 2 of … [Read More...]

Adding Candidates

March 7, 2024

When to add candidates to the election data is always an interesting question. … [Read More...]

First Women to Chair Legislative Committees

January 25, 2024

I was recently asked who the first woman to chair a committee was. As it turns … [Read More...]

What Happened in the 2022 Election

November 13, 2022

[Updated 12/12] That was interesting. An election season that roared by in … [Read More...]

Latest Tweets

  • Just now
  • More Tweets by Alex Vassar

Fun Fact

Q: How often do Lt. Governors become Governor through the resignation or death of the incumbent? A: It has happened three times in the last century, following the resignations of Earl Warren (1953) and Hiram Johnson (1917) and the death of James Rolph (1934).

California Lawmaker 2021

Now Available on Amazon

Recent Posts

  • Legislator Hometowns December 19, 2024
  • New 2025 “California Lawmaker” Released December 14, 2024
  • Legislative Retirement December 8, 2024
  • Adding Candidates March 7, 2024

Copyright © 2025 · Education Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in