Richmond, California

Lita B. Warner christens the S.S. Benjamin Warner, the last Liberty Ship built in the U.S., at the Kaiser Richmond No. 2 Yard. 1944

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

American World War II Heritage City

During World War II, Richmond, California played a pivotal role in the home front effort. It’s bustling port, shipyards, and industrial infrastructure became the epicenter of U.S. naval production and repair on the west coast. The four Kaiser shipyards in Richmond produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. And, perhaps most importantly, Richmond responded to the war with unprecedented social services: the creation of prepaid health insurance; 24-hour childcare; and the most extensive federal housing program in the United States.

The city of Richmond has worked diligently to ensure that the stories of those who sacrificed during World War II are not lost to time. Through the work of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and the Richmond History Museum, Richmond offers ample opportunity to celebrate the rich history of our wartime efforts. In addition, the city has worked to restore and maintain historical sites such as the Kaiser Shipyard’s Victory Ship the SS Red Oak Victory, which is now a museum ship moored at the shipyard.