Surrounded by Secrets
Here are the nationally recognized historic places in West County
By Matt Larson
We thought this would be something interesting to compile and share with the readership of the
Contra Costa Marketplace Magazine. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
EL CERRITO
Chung Mei Home Historic District - 1760 Elm St.
National Register #13000792
Built in 1935, the Chung Mei Home District
(roughly translating to Chinese-American home
district) provided institutional care for neglected or
abandoned Chinese-American boys. Complete with a
classroom, an art studio, a gymnasium, and a library,
the District provided residential care, guidance, and
structure for the boys.
Chung Mei Home Historic District
HERCULES
Hercules Village - Kings, Railroad, Santa Fe, and
Hercules Avenues. Talley Way, Bay and Pinole
Streets.
National Register #80000799
Before it was incorporated in 1900, Hercules was a
company town owned by Hercules Powder Works.
From 1881 until 1901 it was the largest producer of
dynamite in the world, supplying explosives to both
sides of WW1 until America entered the war.
PINOLE
Bank of Pinole - 2361 San Pablo Ave.
National Register #96001175
Constructed in 1915, the Bank of Pinole is an
example of the classical temple-form architecture
which was a common small-town bank design in
America during the 20th century.
Source: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places_listings_
in_Contra_Costa_County,_California
www.ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=7
www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=National%20Register%20of%20Historic%20
Places%20listings%20in%20Contra%20Costa%20County,%20California
www.noehill.com/contracosta/