Home The Hercules Powder WorksOperation and Development of the Hercules Works

Operation and Development of the Hercules Works

The CPW's Hercules Works operated as a chemical production facility for nearly a century. Exhibits here depict and document the construction, operation and conditions of production at the Works over its lifetime.

Site Topology, Geology and Hydrology

European settlement of Refugio Valley first, briefly, was for agriculture. From 1878 the main production facilities of California Powder Works...

Establishment and Early Operation

Investment and Expansion

http://stacks.herculeshistory.org/Still Image/408 WH McBryde/408 12511 - 1905 Mar - Sulphuric Acid Plant - Excavation.tif

Production occurred on the “Flat” of the Refugio Valley, in rough buildings of wood and metal, each housing a stage...

Transportation

http://stacks.herculeshistory.org/Still Image/408 WH McBryde/408 12515 - 1905 May 5 - Sulphuric Acid Plant - Excavation.tif

Transportation was vital. Barges loaded dynamite at a wharf built a half-mile east of Hercules Station; another “Acid Wharf”, extending...

Buildings of the Works