There were Native Americans living in the area of Richmond 5,000 years ago. The city was established on a land grant in the last decade of the 19th century—and incorporated in 1905. The Santa Fe Railroad established its western terminus in Point Richmond in 1899, which marked the beginning of industrial development that continued through World War II. The end of World War II brought dramatic changes to Richmond, changes that are still underway today.
Whether you’re a scholar or a casual researcher, Richmond offers a variety of resources to explore the history of Richmond. For example, the Richmond Museum of History has city and company documents, local histories, hard-to-find books, photographs, Native American artifacts, and much more. Check these websites for more information:
Richmond History Museum
Richmond's Home Front Festival-By-The-Bay
Red Oak Victory Ship
Rosie the Riveter Park