City History

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Hercules began as the California Powder Works company town in 1881. Named after Hercules, the legendary Greek hero known for his strength, the town thrived through three transferals of ownership and five wars. The potent and explosive black powder produced in Hercules was first used by Allied forces in World War I. In 1917, after the U.S. had enteredthe war, the Hercules plant became the largest producer of TNT in the country. 

During the 1960's, the plant made the transition from the production of black powder to fertilizer. Because buffer zones were no longer needed for dynamite production, the company decided to create a new city on the land outside of the plant. (These buffer zones are still evidenced by the various groves of Eucalyptus trees seen around the City. This non-native trees were planted due to their ability to grow fast andprovide a modicum of protection in the event of an explosion at the plant.) 

After two years of working with consultants and holding public meetings, a general plan for a city of 22,000 residents was adopted by the City Council in 1972. The plant was sold to Valley Fertilizer, Inc.in 1976 and closed permanently in 1977 due to economic factors. It remained idle until 1979 when it was purchased by a group of investors called Hercules Properties, Ltd.

 A multitude of development options are now being considered for the historic waterfront property. Meanwhile, the City of Hercules has grown up around the site and is creating its own legacy as a legendary city in its own right.