Alden Park

Alden Park is a historic public park located on the grounds of the former Mare Island Naval Base in Vallejo, California. The park, circular in shape, is centered around a 19th-century bandstand and features an unusual juxtaposition of military history and natural beauty.

Established in the 1860s, Alden Park was named after Navy commander James Alden, who initiated a unique horticultural project on the island. He encouraged ship captains to bring back trees from their overseas voyages, resulting in a diverse collection of plant species from around the world. Today, visitors can observe a wide variety of trees including elm, apple, bay, olive, apricot, locust, fig, and eucalyptus, some of which date back to the park's early days.

One of the park's most striking features is its display of naval weaponry spanning two centuries. Dotted around the park's perimeter are various military artifacts, including Civil War-era torpedoes and cannons, a German World War II submarine, and more recent Cold War-era missiles. The centerpiece of this collection is a 28-foot intercontinental ballistic missile, formerly deployed from nuclear-powered submarines maintained at Mare Island.

Alden Park serves as both a memorial to the naval history of Mare Island and a pleasant green space for visitors. While some areas may appear slightly unkempt since the Navy's departure in the 1990s, the park continues to offer a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.