Instructions for the "Vallejo Historical Landmarks GeoTrail"
1. Obtain a VHLGT Passport. You can pick one up in person at either the Vallejo Visitors Bureau, 289 Mare Island Way or the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street. Current hours of operation are listed on GC65Y05: VHLGT Trailhead.
2. When you find a VHLGT geocache, sign the log and record the code word specific for that Landmark(s) on your passport.
3. Share your experiences online when you get home. Log into your geocaching.com account and track all of the caches you’ve found. Let us know in your log if you’re a first time visitor to Vallejo.
Limited Edition Geocoin
• Find at least 16 Vallejo Historical Landmarks GeoTrail geocaches (passport with code word recorded) and receive a free Visit Vallejo geocoin. (Only one geocoin per household or team.)
To Obtain Geocoin
• After finding the caches, each team will be required to stop by either the Vallejo Visitors Bureau or the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum to have their code words verified. Coins will not be mailed. Please consider hours of operation when planning your visit.
* Geocoins are available while supplies last.
About This Architectural Historical Landmark
The Lofas-Lakeside Manor Subdivision were designated as a cultural landmark in 1992. The neighborhood represents a pivotal point in Vallejo’s social and economic history experienced by members of our community in the middle of the 1900’s. These subdivisions were the first built by the African-American Contractor BW Williams for African-American homeowners.
After WWII, much of Vallejo’s military housing was replaced by newer residential developments. As a result, many African-American residents were forced to relocate frequently in as construction progressed and affordable housing became harder to find. Discrimination at the time also made it difficult for African-Americans and other minorities to purchase their own homes in some neighborhoods. Mr. BW Williams formed the Satellite Investment Company which sold shares to raise the money to purchase land and build homes in the Lofas-Lakeside Manor subdivision to enable African-Americans to become homeowners in Vallejo. Marketing letters offering shares stated “At last, a company with top-notch engineers, skilled builders and experienced developers is able to build homes for minority-group and other people in places where they want them and styled how they want them”.
Please listen to the narrative for a full description (and lock code) from a direct descendent of BW Williams.