Capitol Taken Over By Union Army

The American Civil War Association set up camp at the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park Saturday.  The group raised the Stars and Stripes and the California State flag in a solemn ceremony before giving citizens a tour of their camp.

Besides the well known dark blue uniforms normally associated with the Union Army  there were members of the group wearing the uniform of  the 5th New York Infantry, Company F known as Duryee’s Zouaves.

Amelie Brown, on of those dressed in the Zouave uniform was particularly happy to be in town Saturday morning.  "It's nice to be in this environment," she said.  "It's nice that Benicia is welcoming us."

The event was hosted in cooperation with the Benicia State Parks Association, the group hoping to take over management of both the Capitol State Historic Park and the Benicia State Recreation Area.

The Benicia Herald reports that the group has received a substantial grant from the ST. PAUL'S Episcopal Church’s Historic Trust to help fund continued access to both facilities. 

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.