The Richmond shipyards produced more ships than any other single shipyard complex in the United States during WWII.
The SS Red Oak Victory, moored at the park, is one of the last remaining Victory ships built in the Richmond Kaiser shipyards.
During the war, the Richmond population grew from approximately 23,000 to over 100,000 in just three years.
The Kaiser shipyards established the first employer-sponsored health maintenance organization, which later evolved into Kaiser Permanente.
The park utilizes the former Ford Assembly Plant, which was converted during the war to process tanks and armored vehicles.
The 'Rosie the Riveter' figure was inspired by real women like Rose Will Monroe, who worked as a riveter at a Ford plant in Michigan.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park preserves the history of the civilian mobilization effort in Richmond, California, during World War II. The park commemorates the transformation of the city into a major shipbuilding hub, particularly the Kaiser Shipyards, which produced 747 ships for the war effort. Key sites include the Visitor Education Center, the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, and the SS Red Oak Victory ship. The park serves as a tribute to the women and men, including diverse demographic groups, who entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Visitors explore how the rapid industrialization reshaped social structures, including childcare, housing, and racial integration in the workforce. The site is part of the National Park Service system and maintains partnerships with local historical entities. It features interactive exhibits, oral histories, and preserved industrial architecture along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. The park highlights the legacy of the 'Rosie' icon representing women in non-traditional labor roles.
The bow of the SS Red Oak Victory ship with the San Francisco Bay bridge visible in the background.
Check the schedule for docent-led tours of the SS Red Oak Victory, as access may be restricted depending on maintenance.
Walk the Bay Trail adjacent to the Visitor Center for panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and maritime history.
Pair your visit with a trip to the nearby Richmond Museum of History for deeper local context.
Do not attempt to visit the SS Red Oak Victory without confirming it is currently open for deck access, as it occasionally undergoes structural restoration.
Closed on certain major federal holidays; the SS Red Oak Victory ship may have limited seasonal operating days.
Casual, respectful demeanor required; stay within marked boundaries on the historic ship as decks can be uneven.
