California’s first Masonic Temple was built at 119 West J Street in Benicia in 1850. The construction cost was $18,000. Alexander Riddell donated the land and Robert Semple donated the lumber. The lower floor was used for county offices when Benicia was the county seat of Solano County. After the county seat moved to Fairfield in 1859, it accommodated several religious groups. The Masons sold the building in 1888. It was then used by the Kiwanis and the American Legion. The Masons bought it again in 1950. Its design is Greek Revival with two-story pilasters and a Classical pediment. This mural also includes the Masonic emblem and palm trees that lined West J Street. After the start of WWII, Military Highway (later known as Military Street) was carved through Benicia to access the Arsenal more easily. Up until the establishment of Military Street, West J Street was the grand main entrance to downtown and stately palm trees lined its first few blocks.