Richmond in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Wartime Changes
People moved to Richmond from all over the country to work in the shipyards during the war. This led to explosive growth of the city, and a dramatic exchange between people of diverse ethnicities and cultures. Men and women of different backgrounds worked and lived side-by-side here. Although gender and racial discrimination did not end after the war, this experience dramatically redefined American society, and planted the seeds for the civil rights and women's rights movement.
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The WWII Kaiser shipyard and associated facilities are an outstanding example of an innovative wartime industry that supported, to a unprecedented level, social programs in healthcare and childcare for employees and their families. For example, one of the nations's first voluntary, pre-paid medial plans, now Kaiser Permanente, was founded to keep the shipyard workers healthy.
Behind you is the cafeteria building. During the war, this cafeteria was open 24 hours a day, as a place for home front workers to come and eat and socialize before or after their shipyard work shifts.
Erected by National Park Service and East Bay Regional District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II.
Location. 37° 54.817′ N, 122° 22.168′ W. Marker is in Richmond, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is on Canal Boulevard near Seacliff Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 Canal Boulevard, Richmond CA 94801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Contra Costa College Site (here, next to this marker); War Boomtown (within shouting distance of this marker); Richmond Shipyards (within shouting distance of this marker); Dynamic Wartime Port (approx. ¼ mile away); Clay, Kilns & Brick (approx. 0.6 miles away); SS Red Oak Victory (approx. 0.6 miles away); "I was truly there and did my part to the end." -- Addie Mae Cance, former shipyard worker (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Ford Assembly Building (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this marker. This marker is in the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Memorial next to the cafeteria for Shipyard 3.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 372 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 21, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.