Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front

The Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park commemorates the can-do spirit of the American people during World War II. Located in Richmond, California, the park tells the story of the home front effort through a variety of exhibits and displays. Visitors can learn about the varied roles that women played in the war effort, including factory workers, nurses, and even aircraft pilots. The song “Rosie the Riveter” was written and performed in their honor. The park also features a replica of a Liberty ship, which was used to transport troops and supplies overseas. Centered around the Richmond shipyards, the largest on the West Coast, and the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, Richmond became a boomtown during WWII. The Ford plant became the largest assembly plant on the West Coast. Approximately 49,000 jeeps and 91,000 other vehicles were assembled at the site. Thousands of women were employed by Ford, a first job outside of the home for many of them. The plant building has been restored and now houses a variety of private businesses along with the NPS visitor center.