Benicia Arsenal, California – Home of the Camel Corps
Nestled along the tranquil Suisun Bay in Benicia, California, the Benicia Arsenal stands as a testament to a rich and multifaceted history. For over a century, this strategic location served as the US Army’s primary Ordnance facility on the West Coast, playing a pivotal role in supplying and maintaining military readiness across the region and beyond. However, its story extends far beyond mere logistics, encompassing innovative, if ultimately unsuccessful, experiments with animal transport and significant contributions to major conflicts, from the Civil War to World War II. The Benicia Arsenal’s legacy is interwoven with the development of California and the nation’s military might.
The story of the Benicia Arsenal begins in 1847 when the US government acquired a 252-acre parcel of land adjacent to the burgeoning city of Benicia. This strategic location, with its access to waterways and proximity to growing settlements, was deemed ideal for establishing a military presence. The initial occupation occurred on April 9, 1849, with the arrival of two companies from the 2nd Infantry, who established Benicia Barracks. These early troops were tasked with maintaining order and providing security in a region still experiencing the tumult of the Gold Rush.
The true significance of the site began to take shape in 1851, driven by the foresight of General Percifer F. Smith. Recognizing the need for a centralized supply depot in the West, he advocated for the establishment of the first Ordnance Supply Depot in the region. In 1852, this vision became a reality when the facility was officially designated as the Benicia Arsenal. From this point forward, the arsenal became a vital hub for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of military equipment and supplies.
Perhaps the most intriguing and unusual chapter in the Benicia Arsenal’s history is its association with the US Army Camel Corps. This ambitious experiment, conceived in 1855 by then-Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (later the President of the Confederate States of America), aimed to utilize camels as pack animals for military operations in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. The idea was that camels could traverse the harsh deserts more efficiently than horses or mules, offering a logistical advantage to the Army.
The Benicia Arsenal served as a key staging point for the Camel Corps. The animals were housed and trained on the arsenal grounds, and the facility became synonymous with this unique military endeavor. However, the Camel Corps proved to be short-lived. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 diverted resources and attention away from the experiment, and in 1863, the corps was officially disbanded. The remaining camels were subsequently sent back to the Benicia Arsenal, where they were eventually auctioned off to private owners.
The legacy of the Camel Corps lives on in the form of the "Camel Barns," which still stand on the former arsenal grounds. These historic structures now house the Benicia Historical Museum, serving as a tangible link to this fascinating period in American military history. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the Camel Corps experiment and the broader history of the Benicia Arsenal.
During the Civil War, the Benicia Arsenal played a crucial role in supporting the Union cause. It served as a major staging area for Union troops deploying from the West to various theaters of the war. The arsenal provided these troops with essential supplies, including weapons, ammunition, and equipment. The installation remained a garrisoned post until 1898 when troops were reassigned to duty in the Philippine Islands during the Spanish-American War.
The arsenal continued to serve as a vital military installation throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War I, the Benicia Arsenal provided critical ordnance support to all major Army installations in the Western States. It also supplied ordnance materials to American expeditionary forces stationed in Siberia, demonstrating its reach and importance on a global scale.
The Benicia Arsenal’s contributions were particularly significant during World War II. In the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the arsenal sprang into action, working around the clock to supply the nation’s rapidly mobilizing military forces. In the 24 hours following the Pearl Harbor bombing, 125 separate truck convoys were loaded and dispatched from the arsenal, depleting its stock of ammunition, small arms, and high explosives.
Throughout the war, the arsenal served as a primary supplier of weapons, artillery, parts, supplies, and tools to ports across the Pacific and beyond. In addition to supplying new equipment, the arsenal also played a vital role in maintaining and repairing existing military assets. Workers at the facility overhauled thousands of pairs of binoculars, manufactured hundreds of thousands of small parts for tanks and weapons, and repaired countless watches.
Perhaps the most famous contribution of the Benicia Arsenal during World War II was its role in supplying munitions to Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle for the first bombing raid on Tokyo on April 18, 1942. This daring raid, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, was a crucial morale booster for the United States in the early months of the war, and the Benicia Arsenal played a direct role in making it possible.
The workforce at the Benicia Arsenal expanded dramatically during World War II to meet the surge in demand for military supplies. Before 1940, the arsenal employed only 85 civilian employees. However, by 1944, the labor shortage forced the arsenal commander to employ unconventional measures to meet its staffing needs. This included utilizing 250 Italian and 400 German prisoners of war alongside 150 juveniles from the California Youth Authority. Women also played a significant role in the arsenal’s workforce, comprising nearly half of the civilian employee force. During the Korean War, civilian employment at the arsenal reached an all-time high of 6,700 workers.
Despite its long and distinguished service, the Benicia Arsenal was deactivated in 1963 and officially closed in 1964. However, its story did not end there. In the years following its closure, the former arsenal grounds were redeveloped into an artist’s community. This transformation has breathed new life into the historic site, preserving its architectural heritage while creating a vibrant and creative environment.
Today, the Benicia Arsenal is home to a thriving art district, featuring numerous studios, galleries, and shops. Several historic buildings have been preserved and repurposed, including the Camel Barn, which now houses the Benicia Historical Museum, a gunpowder magazine, the historic Clocktower Building, and the former barracks hospital. Many other buildings are now utilized for private purposes, such as residences and businesses.
The Benicia Arsenal is located at Army Point and I-680 in Benicia, California, at 2024 Camel Road. Visitors can explore the historic grounds, visit the Benicia Historical Museum, and experience the vibrant art scene that has taken root in this unique and historically significant location. The site offers a compelling blend of history, art, and community, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in California’s rich past.
Benecia Historical Museum
2060 Camel Road
Benicia, California 94510-2339