Welcome to Richmond
"We didn't think the streets were paved with gold or anything, but we thought in California we could mix and mingle and get along."
Wilbur Wheat
The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot – Richmond's historic gateway - greeted newcomers here starting in the early 1900s. During World War IL soldiers kissed loved ones goodbye, while newcomers seeking the economic fruits of wartime arrived after four day cross-country trips.
Families, neighbors, and co-workers spread word that you could reach for your dreams here, but post-war years turned dreams to challenges. Nearly all the housing built for "temporary” wartime workers was demolished, and jobs were hard to find. Yet for most, Richmond was now home and there was no going back.
Generations from across the United States and the world have continued to arrive at Richmond's doorstep seeking a new life. Waves of immigration from Mexico and Central America expanded the pre-war Latino population, while refugees from war in Southeast Asia built a vital community, enhancing Richmond's dynamic cultural mix.
"Before my grandpa died, he used
this page online
Fam Linh Saechao
Erected by City of Richmond.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 37° 56.214′ N, 122° 21.252′ W. Marker is in Richmond, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker can be reached from Nevin Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond CA 94801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. What Happened Here? (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Center of Town (approx. 0.3 miles away); City of Richmond Employees World War II Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Richmond Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Willie Mays (approx. 0.8 miles away); Harry Ells School (approx. 0.9 miles away); El Toro (approx. 1.4 miles away); Rosie the Riveter Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this marker. The marker stands in the plaza in front of the Richmond AMTRAK/BART station.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
