Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park

Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park is a national park in Richmond that preserves shipyards, factories, and wartime workplaces. The site contains production facilities, administrative buildings, and a restored ship to demonstrate how large-scale manufacturing operated for military purposes.

The park originated because the United States needed to rapidly build weapons and ships during wartime and hired thousands of workers to meet demand. Richmond became one of the major production centers on the West Coast, employing more than 100,000 people at its peak.

The park tells the story of women who worked in factories and shipyards during wartime and redefined their roles in society. The preserved buildings and exhibits show how this work changed daily life for families and communities.

The site is easiest to explore by starting at the visitor center exhibits before venturing to outdoor areas. Most walkways are accessible, but some sections require stairs, so check ahead about which areas you can reach.

Several of the original child care centers still remain and show how infrastructure was built to enable women to work. These facilities were innovative for their time and allowed mothers to enter industrial work during the war years.

Location: Richmond

Location: Contra Costa County

Inception: October 25, 2000

Operator: National Park Service

Phone: +15102325050

Website: https://nps.gov/rori

GPS coordinates: 37.90954,-122.35736

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48