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History of Oakland, California, USA
Journey back in time to Oakland, California, USA
Explore Oakland, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Oakland Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Oakland, Alameda, CA
The area was inhabited by Costanoan Indians when it was explored by the Spanish in the late 18th century. In 1820 a Spanish land grant known as Rancho San Antonio was established there. Logging began in the area in the 1840s, and, during the California Gold Rush (1849), it became a transit centre for goods and people. In 1849–50 Moses Chase, a squatter, and some associates leased and then purchased farmland and laid out the town of Clinton (later named Brooklyn). In 1851 Horace W. Carpentier started a trans-bay ferry service to San Francisco and acquired a town site (1852) to the west of Brooklyn, naming it Oakland for the oak trees on the grassy plain. Carpentier and his associates extended the area and incorporated it as a city in 1854. Oakland and Brooklyn—separated by a slough that had been bridged in 1853—amalgamated in 1872.
britannica.com
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Oakland Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Oakland, California, USA
Advertisement
1875 advertisement
Beaudry & McAvoy
Undertakers and General Furnishers
Cor. Broadway and 7th Street, Opposite Depot.
Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Tribune
Oakland, California
June 30, 1875
Oakland, California, USA
Advertisement
1880s
Red House
Importers of Dry and Fancy Goods
Oakland / Napa City
Oakland, California, USA
Postcard
Washington Street
Oakland, California, USA
Postcard
S.P. Co's. Depot.
Oakland Mole, California.
Oakland, California, USA
Postcard
Lafayette High School, Oakland, California
Oakland, California, USA
Douglas County Historical Society Courthouse Museum, Genoa, Nevada
The Marchant
Manufactured by Marchant Calculating Machine Co., Inc. Oakland, Cal.
Patented June 6, 1911
Oakland, California, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1646&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2foakland_ca_5.jpg&description=Oakland, California, USA - St. Mary's College
"St. Mary's College began in 1863 as a diocesan college for boys established by the Most Rev. Joseph Alemany, a member of the Order of Preachers and the first archbishop of San Francisco. Unhappy with the archdiocese's operation of the college, Archbishop Alemany applied for assistance from Rome and in 1868 St. Mary's College was handed over to the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
In 1889, the college moved east across San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. The location on the corner of 30th and Broadway became affectionately known as "The Brickpile" and Saint Mary's College would call Oakland home until 1928, when it moved further eastward to Moraga after a fire severely damaged the Brickpile..."
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St. Mary's College
"St. Mary's College began in 1863 as a diocesan college for boys established by the Most Rev. Joseph Alemany, a member of the Order of Preachers and the first archbishop of San Francisco. Unhappy with the archdiocese's operation of the college, Archbishop Alemany applied for assistance from Rome and in 1868 St. Mary's College was handed over to the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
In 1889, the college moved east across San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. The location on the corner of 30th and Broadway became affectionately known as "The Brickpile" and Saint Mary's College would call Oakland home until 1928, when it moved further eastward to Moraga after a fire severely damaged the Brickpile..."
wikipedia
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to OAKLAND
CALIFORNIA Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy
Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.
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Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.
Discover Oakland: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1895 - Oakland
Oakland, a beautiful city, capital of Alameda co., Cal., is pleasantly situated on the E. shore of the Bay of San Francisco, 7 miles E. of the city of San Francisco. It is connected with Sacramento by the Central Pacific Rail "d, and is 133 miles S.W. of that capital. It has a healthy and pleasant climate. It was the original seat of the University of California, which has been removed to Berkeley, about 4 miles distant. Large steam ferry-boats ply frequently between Oakland and San Francisco. The *y is well lighted, and has wide, well-paved streets. It contains 16 churches, the California Military Academy, the Golden Gate Academy, a convent, a high school, the Female College of the Pacific, the Pacific Theological Seminary (Congregational), an institution for the deaf, dumb, and blind, a court-house which cost $200,000, 2 national gold banks, 2 savings-banks, first-class hotels, and numerous elegant and expensive dwellings. Three daily and 4 weekly newspapers are published here. The... Read MORE...
Oakland, a beautiful city, capital of Alameda co., Cal., is pleasantly situated on the E. shore of the Bay of San Francisco, 7 miles E. of the city of San Francisco. It is connected with Sacramento by the Central Pacific Rail "d, and is 133 miles S.W. of that capital. It has a healthy and pleasant climate. It was the original seat of the University of California, which has been removed to Berkeley, about 4 miles distant. Large steam ferry-boats ply frequently between Oakland and San Francisco. The *y is well lighted, and has wide, well-paved streets. It contains 16 churches, the California Military Academy, the Golden Gate Academy, a convent, a high school, the Female College of the Pacific, the Pacific Theological Seminary (Congregational), an institution for the deaf, dumb, and blind, a court-house which cost $200,000, 2 national gold banks, 2 savings-banks, first-class hotels, and numerous elegant and expensive dwellings. Three daily and 4 weekly newspapers are published here. The... Read MORE...
1906
Oakland, a city, capital of Almeda co., Cal., is pleasantly situated on the E. shore of the Bay of San Francisco, 6 mile E. of the city of San Francisco, on the Southern Pacific R. and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Coast Lines. It has a healthy and pleasant climate and is a favorite place of residence of San Francisco merchants. It was the original seat of the University of California, which has been removed to Berkeley, about 4 miles distant. Large steam ferry-boats ply frequently between Oakland and San Francisco. The city is the seat of the California Military Academy, California College, Pacific Theological Seminary (Congregational), and various other collegiate institutions. It has numerous elegant mansions. The streets are provided by nature with a profusion of majestic live-oaks, which are covered with foliage all year round. The environs are adorned with gardens, vineyards, and picturesque drives. Oakland has a good harbor and great advantages for a commercial city. Among... Read MORE...
Oakland, a city, capital of Almeda co., Cal., is pleasantly situated on the E. shore of the Bay of San Francisco, 6 mile E. of the city of San Francisco, on the Southern Pacific R. and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Coast Lines. It has a healthy and pleasant climate and is a favorite place of residence of San Francisco merchants. It was the original seat of the University of California, which has been removed to Berkeley, about 4 miles distant. Large steam ferry-boats ply frequently between Oakland and San Francisco. The city is the seat of the California Military Academy, California College, Pacific Theological Seminary (Congregational), and various other collegiate institutions. It has numerous elegant mansions. The streets are provided by nature with a profusion of majestic live-oaks, which are covered with foliage all year round. The environs are adorned with gardens, vineyards, and picturesque drives. Oakland has a good harbor and great advantages for a commercial city. Among... Read MORE...
1906 - SHIP NEARLY WRECKS A PASSENGER TRAIN
Oakland, August 7. - The steam schooner Wasp, heavily lumber-laded from Eureka crashed bow-on into the Southern Pacific drawbridge at Harrison street, in this city, while a narrow gauge train with hundreds of passengers was crossing. A panic ensued among the frightened passengers, who believed that the bridge with the train would be wrecked and toppled into the Oakland estuary.
The bridge wavered and trembled. With the creaking of the iron girders were mingled the cries of frightened passengers. For a moment it seemed that a terrible catastrophe was impending, but most fortunately the steel structure held firm.
NARROW ESCAPE.
The train sped over the bridge and escaped from the dangerous position, but not before women had fainted, and the faces of the men were blanched when the train arrived at the mole.
Only for the presence of mind of the bridge-tender, J. F. Braswell, an appalling wreck would have occurred. Seeing that the collision of the boat with the bridge was... Read MORE...
Oakland, August 7. - The steam schooner Wasp, heavily lumber-laded from Eureka crashed bow-on into the Southern Pacific drawbridge at Harrison street, in this city, while a narrow gauge train with hundreds of passengers was crossing. A panic ensued among the frightened passengers, who believed that the bridge with the train would be wrecked and toppled into the Oakland estuary.
The bridge wavered and trembled. With the creaking of the iron girders were mingled the cries of frightened passengers. For a moment it seemed that a terrible catastrophe was impending, but most fortunately the steel structure held firm.
NARROW ESCAPE.
The train sped over the bridge and escaped from the dangerous position, but not before women had fainted, and the faces of the men were blanched when the train arrived at the mole.
Only for the presence of mind of the bridge-tender, J. F. Braswell, an appalling wreck would have occurred. Seeing that the collision of the boat with the bridge was... Read MORE...
1923 - WIFE RESCUES BLIND MAN AS BUILDINGS BURN
Two Firemen Injured; Flats and Stores Destroyed; Loss $50,000.
Three flats, a coal, wood and feed yard, and three stores were destroyed, two stores and three flats were badly damaged and two firemen were overcome in a general alarm fire which broke out at Telegraph avenue and Thirty-fourth street yesterday morning. and caused damage estimated at more than $50,000.
A blind man, proprietor of one of the stores, was trapped in the fire and was rescued by his wife, who led him through smoke-filled rooms to safety.
Practically half a block of frame buildings were wiped out by the blaze.
So many engines were used to pump water that the pressure was reduced, necessitating the running of hose lines five or six blocks to unaffected plugs.
FIREMEN ARE INJURED.
Fireman F. J. CROWLEY, Engine Co. 21, and Hoseman JOHN D. TERRANCE, Truck Co. No. 5, received burns and were overcome by smoke fumes. They were given first aid treatment by CLARENCE JOHNSON, a druggist at Thirty-fouth... Read MORE...
Two Firemen Injured; Flats and Stores Destroyed; Loss $50,000.
Three flats, a coal, wood and feed yard, and three stores were destroyed, two stores and three flats were badly damaged and two firemen were overcome in a general alarm fire which broke out at Telegraph avenue and Thirty-fourth street yesterday morning. and caused damage estimated at more than $50,000.
A blind man, proprietor of one of the stores, was trapped in the fire and was rescued by his wife, who led him through smoke-filled rooms to safety.
Practically half a block of frame buildings were wiped out by the blaze.
So many engines were used to pump water that the pressure was reduced, necessitating the running of hose lines five or six blocks to unaffected plugs.
FIREMEN ARE INJURED.
Fireman F. J. CROWLEY, Engine Co. 21, and Hoseman JOHN D. TERRANCE, Truck Co. No. 5, received burns and were overcome by smoke fumes. They were given first aid treatment by CLARENCE JOHNSON, a druggist at Thirty-fouth... Read MORE...
October 17, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
The collapse of a section of the double-deck Nimitz Freeway in Oakland was the site of the single largest number of casualties for the event...
wikipedia.org
The collapse of a section of the double-deck Nimitz Freeway in Oakland was the site of the single largest number of casualties for the event...
wikipedia.org
October 20, 1991 - Oakland firestorm of 1991.
The Oakland firestorm of 1991 was a large suburban wildland-urban interface conflagration that occurred on the hillsides of northern Oakland, California, and southeastern Berkeley over the weekend of October 19–20, 1991. The official name of this incident by Cal Fire is the Tunnel fire. However, it is also commonly referred to as Oakland hills firestorm or the East Bay Hills Fire. The fire ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. The 1,520 acres destroyed, included 2,843 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5 billion.
wikipedia.org
The Oakland firestorm of 1991 was a large suburban wildland-urban interface conflagration that occurred on the hillsides of northern Oakland, California, and southeastern Berkeley over the weekend of October 19–20, 1991. The official name of this incident by Cal Fire is the Tunnel fire. However, it is also commonly referred to as Oakland hills firestorm or the East Bay Hills Fire. The fire ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. The 1,520 acres destroyed, included 2,843 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5 billion.
wikipedia.org
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Oakland:
Oakland Museum of California: This museum is a fantastic place to learn about the state's history, art, and natural sciences. It features a range of exhibits, including a stunning collection of California art, history galleries, and a lovely garden.
Jack London Square: Named after the famous author and adventurer, this waterfront area is perfect for strolling, dining, and shopping. It also hosts a popular farmers' market on Sundays.
Lake Merritt: Often referred to as "The Jewel of Oakland," Lake Merritt is a picturesque urban lake surrounded by parks. You can rent a pedal boat, go for a jog, or just enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Redwood Regional Park: If you're into hiking and nature, this park offers a beautiful escape from the city. The tall redwoods and numerous trails make it a favorite spot for locals.
Chabot Space and Science Center: Explore the mysteries of the universe through interactive exhibits and an observatory. It's an excellent place for stargazing and... Read MORE...
Oakland Museum of California: This museum is a fantastic place to learn about the state's history, art, and natural sciences. It features a range of exhibits, including a stunning collection of California art, history galleries, and a lovely garden.
Jack London Square: Named after the famous author and adventurer, this waterfront area is perfect for strolling, dining, and shopping. It also hosts a popular farmers' market on Sundays.
Lake Merritt: Often referred to as "The Jewel of Oakland," Lake Merritt is a picturesque urban lake surrounded by parks. You can rent a pedal boat, go for a jog, or just enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Redwood Regional Park: If you're into hiking and nature, this park offers a beautiful escape from the city. The tall redwoods and numerous trails make it a favorite spot for locals.
Chabot Space and Science Center: Explore the mysteries of the universe through interactive exhibits and an observatory. It's an excellent place for stargazing and... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Oakland Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Oakland, California, USA
We currently have information about 35 ancestors who were born or died in Oakland.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Oakland, California, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Oakland.View Them Now
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