Richmond turns 120 this week. Here’s how to celebrate

Humans first occupied what is today known as “Richmond” 5,000 years ago, making the city look comparatively quite young as it launches a celebration of its 120th anniversary with several days of community activities.

The events start on Thur., Aug. 7, and run through Sun., Aug. 10. They range from a summer concert to a museum open house to a pancake breakfast (a list of events is below).

The earliest inhabitants of this area were the Ohlone Indians, who are believed to have lived here 5,000 years ago. These hunter-gathers lived in separate groups that built a culture based on strong community ties, spiritualism and rich artistic creativity — characteristics that many Richmonders today say is what they love about living here.

The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish, who initially explored the area in 1772. Large tracts of land were granted to influential people after Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821.

Industry began to arrive in the late 1800s with a railroad terminus established in Point Richmond in 1899.

Richmond incorporated as a city in 1905 on land that was part of the Rancho San Pablo land grant. At the time, it boasted a modest population of about 2,000 people. The town grew quickly as industry continued to move in. Standard Oil, which eventually became Chevron, set up operations in 1907.

During World War II, the city’s port exploded with activity. The Kaiser Shipyards produced 747 ships for the war effort. The city’s population increased during the war years from 23,000 to 93,000. The SS Red Oak Victory, the last surviving ship built during that era, is now a historical relic docked at the end of Canal Boulevard.

The shipyards closed in 1945, and Richmond had to adjust to a post-war existence. Other industries moved into the port area while the Chevron refinery continued to operate.

Four major developments have occurred since 1960 that have helped shape Richmond. They were the Marina Bay project, the Hilltop shopping center, the new John T. Knox freeway (Interstate 580) and the Richmond Parkway.

Today, the city of Richmond covers 56 square miles and has a population of about 116,000. Its ethnic mix is listed as about 47% Hispanic or Latino, 21%t white and 17%Black. The average age is 37 years and the annual median household income is $90,000.

Celebrating Richmond’s history today

City leaders say this week’s celebrations offer a chance to look at Richmond’s past.

“Richmond’s history begins with the Ohlone people, who stewarded this land long before the city was incorporated. That reality needs to be recognized up front,” Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez told Richmondside. “Beyond that, Richmond has a complex and layered history that goes well before its better-known World War II era. From early Chinese shrimping communities to decades of industrial innovation, Richmond has always been a working city built by people who came here to build better lives.”

Martinez says the 120th anniversary festivities offer a chance to provide a clear picture of Richmond’s history.

“We have to recognize that the version of national unity often portrayed in history books rarely reflects the lived experiences of Richmond’s multiracial workforce,” he said. “Our city was built by people whose contributions were not always acknowledged equally and it’s our responsibility today to elevate those stories.”

Thomas Lyons, the owner of The Factory Bar on San Pablo Avenue, agrees it’s important to recognize Richmond’s deep and varied history. In fact the bar, decorated with historical memorabilia, calls itself  the “unofficial home of the Richmond historical society,” and is hosting some of the celebration events, including participating in a raffle where the proceeds will benefit the city’s museum and Red Oak ship. (Some of the prizes include historical photos like the ones you see published here on Richmondside.)

“I don’t think most people realize just how many pivotal movements and innovations have roots right here in Richmond — from health care and child care to the Civil Rights movement,” he said. “My hope is that by celebrating 120 years of Richmond’s rich and complex history, we can inspire the community to engage more deeply with institutions like the Richmond Museum of History and Culture and the Red Oak Victory ship museum, and in doing so, rediscover the extraordinary stories that helped shape not just our city but the nation.”

Kathryn Sibley, a board member of the Richmond Museum Association, says the 120th celebration can give people a better perspective of the city’s history.

“Beyond the WWII history, folks don’t necessarily have much knowledge of our city’s past,” she said. “We want to bring more awareness to both Richmond residents and visitors.”

Martinez said the 120th celebrations are a way to bring the community together.

“This anniversary is a chance for Richmond to invest in its sense of identity,” Martinez said. “Beyond our history, celebrating our 120th year is about helping our community feel connected to the city and to each other. When people feel that connection, they take more ownership over their neighborhoods, their public spaces, and their shared future.”

Looking at Richmond’s future

Richmond faces a number of challenges in the near future. One of the most prominent is reviving the downtown core along Macdonald Avenue that flourished in the 1940s and 1950s. Martinez said the city must also deal with budget cuts at the federal level and implement plans to diversify its economy.

Nonetheless, those involved in the anniversary celebration see a bright future ahead for Richmond.

“This is a great community, with strong people generally determined to do right by each other,” said Sibley. “We have a myriad of arts and service organizations with good programs that can keep us healthy and thriving in mind, body, and soul.” 

“I believe Richmond holds tremendous promise in the years ahead,” Lyons said. “As one of the last relatively affordable cities in the Bay Area, it remains a place that embraces the arts and fosters genuine community connection. Our hope is that this celebration serves as a catalyst for renewed civic pride — a moment to truly honor Richmond’s rich diversity and to discover the shared values that can unite and inspire us all.”

120th anniversary events

Here’s a look at some of the celebrations planned for Richmond’s 120th anniversary. Raffle tickets can be purchased at The Factory Bar and at the museum open house, with the raffle drawings set to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at The Factory Bar. (You can earn additional raffle entries by following the museum (@richmondmuseum) and the Red Oak ship on social media (@redoakvictory). 

Thur., Aug. 7

• The Backyard, 205 Cutting Blvd., is collaborating with 1905 Apparel for a 120th birthday party,  5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Musician Eugene Barnes will perform a tribute to Nat King Cole at the BiancoVerde at Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The historic hotel was originally built in 1911 and restored after it was damaged in a 1971 fire.

Fri., Aug. 8

• DJ Tok will spin some tunes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• The Point Richmond Summer Music Festival honors the city’s birthday with music from Burrows and Dilbeck as well as Big Soul Revue from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue.

• Michael Adachi will bring jazz music to the stage at the BiancoVerde at Hotel Mac restaurant, 50 Washington Ave.,from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  

• Three short films will be shown along with live music and food at the Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy, 13108 San Pablo Ave.. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 9

• The Richmond Museum of History and Culture will host a family friendly festival full of birthday cheer during an open house at the museum, 400 Nevin Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., will celebrate its 5-year anniversary with live music from Simon Petty and the Celestial Hotties as well as a raffle to benefit the Richmond Museum Alliance from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• George Peter Tingley will play the piano during a special performance at BiancoVerde at the Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 10

• A pancake breakfast will be served as part of the history celebrations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. aboard the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., along the Richmond shoreline.

For more events happening this week in Richmond, read Thursday’s What’s Up column and our weekly music roundup.

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