Mare Island, Naval peninsula in Vallejo, United States
This peninsula sits next to Vallejo and is bordered by rivers and a bay. Today it holds schools, homes, and businesses where military facilities once stood.
A naval shipyard opened there in 1854 as the first permanent military installation on the West Coast. It served the nation for many decades before its role changed.
The name comes from a white horse that swam ashore after a ferry accident in the 1830s, belonging to a local leader. This story has shaped the place's identity and remains part of how locals describe it.
You can reach this place by ferry from San Francisco, which runs on a regular schedule. Walking paths are available, but check ahead to see which areas are open to visitors.
Some old naval docks and repair structures are still visible today. These remnants quietly tell the story of the ships that were maintained here for over a century.
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