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 100 years, 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 One. In 1917, after the U.S. had entered the war, the Hercules plant became the largest producer of TNT in the country.
During the 1960s, 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. After two years of working with consultants and holding numerous public meetings, a general plan for a city of 22,000 residents by the year 2000 was adopted by the City Council.
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 on 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.
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