The National Park and Richmond's Role in World War II
More information on the History of the of Richmond and Rosie the Riveters >>

Richmond, California played a significant role and nationally recognized part in the World War II Home Front. Richmond was home to 56 different war industries including four shipyards. The city grew overnight from 24,000 to 100,000 people, overwhelming the available housing stock, roads, schools, businesses and community services.

Today Richmond has Home Front structures and sites that have retained their historic integrity, and former Home Front industrial sites that have been converted to contemporary

residential, recreational and commercial use with commemorative features that reflect their historic role.

The Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park will make Richmond a premier site for cultural tourism in the Bay Area and will enhance the planning and resources the City has put into Marina Bay/South Shoreline over the last 20 years. Bringing historical interpretation to open spaces and historic structures will make this area an even richer experience and more attractive destination for people who live in and visit Richmond. This plan will bring that history alive for residents and visitors to the City and will illustrate Richmond's proud history as a center for industrial production during WWII.

The Riveter Memorial World War II National Historical Park will include additional historic interpretation along the waterfront and remaining war-time structures such as Kaiser Yard #3, the original Kaiser Field Hospital, workers' housing and two still-operating daycare centers that served workers' children during the war. The craneway of the historic Ford Assembly Building, which will begin renovation later this year, will house the Park's centerpiece - a Home Front Visitor and Education Center using artifacts, exhibitions and new technologies to interpret the contributions of everyday Americans here and across the nation during WWII.