City of Hercules celebrates 125th Anniversary

By City of Hercules

The City of Hercules held a special commemoration of the City’s 125th anniversary and annual Christmas tree lighting celebration on Sunday, Dec. 7. The event, held at City Hall, featured photo opportunities with Santa, entertainment and light refreshments. The evening ended with Santa lighting the tree.

It was presented in part by the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce of Hercules, Pinole and Rodeo.

“There is no better way to honor 125 years of Hercules than with our community,” said City Manager Dante Hall. “As we come together to enjoy this favorite winter celebration with neighbors and visitors alike, this special anniversary also encourages our community to reflect on the history that has shaped our City and traditions like these.”

Founded in the late 1880s as a company town for the Hercules Powder Company, Hercules produced explosives for mining, construction and transportation across the West Coast. These early industrial roots from the Hercules Powder Company gave our City its powerful name and laid the foundation for our City’s evolution

The City began as a company town for the California Powder Works, which started in 1861 near Santa Cruz. The company made Hercules Powder, which is a powerful dynamite named after the mythological hero who slayed giants.

For nearly 100 years, Hercules was home to the workers and families who helped build roads and mines across California. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Hercules transformed into the vibrant community we know today.

Hercules remained a company town until the 1970s, until the City redeveloped the area into the diverse, innovative and welcoming suburban community we know today. From its industrial past to sustainable planning and vibrant neighborhoods, Hercules has spent 125 years building a future rooted in smart growth and community connection.

Our legacy continues along the City’s waterfront, which was once a major shipping and rail hub for transporting explosives and other goods. Today, the City is reimagining its waterfront as an interconnected transportation center with restored passenger rail service, transit-oriented housing, businesses, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, bus routes and a future ferry service known as the Hercules Hub.

“The tree lighting event allows us to celebrate our great past and the bright future ahead of Hercules,” said Hall. “Community festivities are the perfect way to feel the warmth and cheer of the holiday season.”

In the spirit of compassion and celebration, attendees were encouraged to bring canned food items, gently used coats and unwrapped toys to the event. Giving back strengthens our community as we celebrate 125 years of Hercules.

Learn more about our industrial past from the Hercules Historical Society.