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| Landmark #768 | Alameda County | Visited: July 12, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque marking the site of the nation’s first successful sugar beet factory! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: E. H. Dyer, “father of the American beet sugar industry,” built the factory in 1870 on a corner of his farm. It began to process sugar beets on November 15, 1870, and produced 293 tons of sugar during its first operating season. The plant has since been completely rebuilt on the original site.
OTHER TIDBITS: The beet sugar industry had historically been rife with failure, and it’s a wonder that anyone chose to pursue it any further! In fact, this beet sugar enterprise had already failed twice in Alvarado and Soquel, mostly thanks to poor management! By the time E.H. Dyer took the reins, he faced a lot of reluctance from potential investors! So, the company changed its name, re-incorporated, and started turning a profit under Dyer’s management! Sounds like sweet success to me! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 30849 Dyer St Union City, CA 94587 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~366mi (590km) — 6.1hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |