Richmond in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

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"It was a real workhorse." -- Jim Cannon, Marketing Director, Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp

Whirley Crane

— Rosie the Riveter / World War II Home Front National Historical Park —

<i>"It was a real workhorse."</i> -- Jim Cannon, Marketing Dir., Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 19, 2016

1. "It was a real workhorse." -- Jim Cannon, Marketing Dir., Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Whirley cranes were an essential part of Richmond Shipyard's manufacturing capabilities during World War II. Named for the turret's ability to rotate (whirl) 360 degrees, the cranes could handle massive amounts of steel - lifting and moving large prefabricated components into place during the assembly of ships.

Two to four whirley cranes could work in unison to hoist even larger loads. Moving on rails placed thirty-two feet apart that ran parallel to shipways and basins, whirley cranes helped speed the production of ships.

Today, this 114-ton crane serves as a reminder of the industrial might required for home front war production.

Whirley Crane Specification
Boom Length -- 110 feet
Weight -- 229,000 lbs.
Lifting Capacity -- 166,000 lbs.
Original Cost -- $32,000

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II.

Location. Marker is missing.

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It was located near 37° 54.305′ N, 122° 21.912′ W. Marker was in Richmond, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker could be reached from Canal Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on the dock next to the S.S. Red Oak Victory. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1298 Canal Boulevard, Richmond CA 94804, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. "I was truly there and did my part to the end." -- Addie Mae Cance, former shipyard worker (a few steps from this marker); SS Red Oak Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); Dynamic Wartime Port (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Ford Assembly Building (approx. half a mile away); The Home Front Legacy (approx. half a mile away); War Boomtown (approx. 0.6 miles away); Contra Costa College Site (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wartime Changes (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Additional keywords. "It was a real workhorse." -- Jim Cannon, Marketing Director, Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp

The Whirley Crane and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 19, 2016

2. The Whirley Crane and Marker

S.S. Red Oak Victory in the background.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 19, 2016

3. The whirley crane and S.S. Red Oak Victory in the background

"It was a real workhorse."... Marker is missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Diane Phillips

4. "It was a real workhorse."... Marker is missing

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on September 19, 2020, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California.