Explosive powder manufacturing was an extremely dangerous endeavor at the time , and uncontrolled explosions were frequent . Hercules 's isolated location at the time , plus its proximity to rail and water transportation along San Pablo Bay , made it an ideal choice . The explosives manufactured at Hercules played a significant and decisive role in the United States Army 's efforts to contain the fires started by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake , as recounted by General Funston
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
California Powder Works