In 1200 BC, the Ohlone Indians first settled the land that would become Oakland. Several hundred years later, Spanish explorers visited the East Bay and established the Mission de San Jose in Fremont, extending Spanish jurisdiction over the area. Spain's king granted Luis Maria Peralta a 44,800-acre land grant in what is now Alameda County in 1820. The grant encompassed all of present-day Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley.
In 1842, Peralta divided this land among his four sons. Antonio Maria Peralta had already built an adobe home in Oakland, which was later replaced by an Italianate frame house that is still standing today. The grand house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the main attraction of the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. Oakland was incorporated in 1852.
During the California Gold Rush of the 1840s, Oakland was the mainland staging point for passengers and cargo traveling between the Bay and the Sierra foothills. Oakland today remains a bustling center of commerce due to its strategic location, shipyards, rail connections and temperate weather. Many major corporations have a presence in Oakland, such as Children's Hospital Oakland, Clorox, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Federal Express, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Bell and Southwest Airlines.
The Oakland area is home to many exciting and beautiful attractions. Chabot Space & Science Center is nestled among 13 trail-laced acres of East Bay parkland, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland foothills. The Dunsmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate is a turn-of-the-century mansion in a secluded valley in the Oakland Hills. Preservation Park is a two-block site featuring renovated Victorian homes, park benches and street lamps set amid manicured lawns and lush foliage. Homes in Preservation Park represent the architectural history of Oakland. The park's 16 historic buildings currently house 45 businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Whatever your tastes, Oakland offers recreation and entertainment for everyone. Oakland's waterfront is perfect for yachting, sailing and other water sports. Lake Merritt is home to a wildlife refuge, rowing and a four-mile bike path close to shopping and fine dining in the city center.
Residents of Oakland have access to world-class cultural and entertainment venues. The Oakland Museum of California features the largest collection of art and cultural and historic artifacts in the state. The Oakland Zoo is situated in 525-acre Knowland Park. Of course, Oakland's professional sports teams - Athletics baseball, Golden State Warriors basketball and Raiders football - enjoy national success and recognition. The cultural center of San Francisco's East Bay, the city is home to the Oakland Ballet, the Oakland Civic Center, Paramount Theater of the Arts, the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Alice Arts Center.
Oakland is a thriving waterfront city with an educated workforce, convenient transit and an oak-studded, park-like landscape. Renewal and redevelopment of the city has preserved its fine residential neighborhoods, and the community continues to progress while preserving its long and colorful history.
In 1842, Peralta divided this land among his four sons. Antonio Maria Peralta had already built an adobe home in Oakland, which was later replaced by an Italianate frame house that is still standing today. The grand house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the main attraction of the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. Oakland was incorporated in 1852.
During the California Gold Rush of the 1840s, Oakland was the mainland staging point for passengers and cargo traveling between the Bay and the Sierra foothills. Oakland today remains a bustling center of commerce due to its strategic location, shipyards, rail connections and temperate weather. Many major corporations have a presence in Oakland, such as Children's Hospital Oakland, Clorox, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Federal Express, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Bell and Southwest Airlines.
The Oakland area is home to many exciting and beautiful attractions. Chabot Space & Science Center is nestled among 13 trail-laced acres of East Bay parkland, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland foothills. The Dunsmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate is a turn-of-the-century mansion in a secluded valley in the Oakland Hills. Preservation Park is a two-block site featuring renovated Victorian homes, park benches and street lamps set amid manicured lawns and lush foliage. Homes in Preservation Park represent the architectural history of Oakland. The park's 16 historic buildings currently house 45 businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Whatever your tastes, Oakland offers recreation and entertainment for everyone. Oakland's waterfront is perfect for yachting, sailing and other water sports. Lake Merritt is home to a wildlife refuge, rowing and a four-mile bike path close to shopping and fine dining in the city center.
Residents of Oakland have access to world-class cultural and entertainment venues. The Oakland Museum of California features the largest collection of art and cultural and historic artifacts in the state. The Oakland Zoo is situated in 525-acre Knowland Park. Of course, Oakland's professional sports teams - Athletics baseball, Golden State Warriors basketball and Raiders football - enjoy national success and recognition. The cultural center of San Francisco's East Bay, the city is home to the Oakland Ballet, the Oakland Civic Center, Paramount Theater of the Arts, the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Alice Arts Center.
Oakland is a thriving waterfront city with an educated workforce, convenient transit and an oak-studded, park-like landscape. Renewal and redevelopment of the city has preserved its fine residential neighborhoods, and the community continues to progress while preserving its long and colorful history.
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