History of Vallejo

Last week, we looked at the history of Benicia and used the Yellow Line to explore historical landmarks around town. This week we will look at Vallejo’s history and the opportunities offered by our local routes and the San Francisco Bay Ferry.

In 1850, the city of Vallejo was founded by Mexican General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The newly established city held the title of State Capitol for one week in 1852 and for one month in 1853. Vallejo became known for its Mare Island Naval Shipyard, which held the title of the first US Navy base established on the Pacific Ocean. During World War II, Mare Island was a significant contributor to the war effort in its role for the construction, repair and maintenance of naval vessels.

For a fun yet educational day, take a 20 minute ferry ride to Mare Island and check out the beautiful mansions at Officers Row or tour the massive USS LCS 102 at the Mare Island Museum. On weekdays, the first ferry departs Vallejo at 10:55AM and 12:30PM on weekends. A one-way ticket costs $1.70 for adults and $0.80 for youth, seniors and disabled. To speed up the ticket process, you can tag on and off of the ferry with a Clipper card. Don’t get too caught up in the sights and be sure to remember that the last ferry departs Mare Island on weekdays at 2:50PM and 3:40PM on weekends.

For another educational adventure, visit The Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum on Marin Street. Ride Route 2, Route 6, Route 7A, or Route 7B and explore the museum that takes you back to Vallejo’s origins. You’ll be able to expand your knowledge on important leaders such as John B. Frisbie, Captain David G. Farragut and William A. Jones. You’ll even get the chance to see photographs of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his visit to Vallejo in 1938.

Have you ever taken the time to observe the elaborate black clock in Downtown Vallejo? The Vallejo landmark is known as the Alibi Clock and is said to have saved a man’s life. As the story goes in 1916, an explosion of a pipe bomb caused many casualties during the San Francisco Preparedness Day Parade. Thomas Mooney and Warren Billings were accused of being responsible for the crime and were put on trial for the murders. Billings was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and Mooney was sentenced to be hung. However, an image surfaced of Mooney with the Alibi Clock in the background, meaning that he was nowhere near the area when the tragedy took place. Fortunately, both men were pardoned. The famous clock was moved to Vallejo where it has remained ever since. Currently, it is located along Georgia St. about a block away from the Vallejo Transit Center.

Whether you want to check out Mare Island, the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum or the Alibi Clock, we can get you to where you want to go. Taking the time to learn even more about Vallejo’s interesting background is an opportunity that you can’t pass up.