About OAKLAND, CA
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Founded in 1852, Oakland, California has history that goes back much further than its 150 years. Native Americans lived in the region for over 5,000 years. The Spanish visited the area in the 1770s, and came to settle about 50 years later. Asians, African Americans, and those of Northern European extraction came with the Gold Rush, and put down their own roots.
2000 The U.S. Census counts 399,484 residents in Oakland and ranks Oakland residents eighth in the U.S. in overall educational achievement. More than one-third of Oakland’s residents have a college degree – twice the national average. American Association of Electronics ranks Oakland third in the nation for percentage of households with Internet access. The Wall Street Journal ranks Oakland the #1 office market in the U.S. through 2005. The Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba is officially recognized as Oakland’s seventh sister city.
2001 Forbes magazine ranks Oakland the 10th best city for business in the U.S. Based on U.S. Census Bureau data, the Center for Women’s Business Research ranks Oakland third in the U.S. in the number of women-owned businesses. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rotunda Building reopens following a $43 million renovation. The Beaux Arts masterpiece has a 125-foot atrium dome.
2002 State of California estimates put Oakland’s population at over 404,000. The African American Museum and Library, a division of the Oakland Public Library, opens following an $11.2 million renovation and seismic retrofit of the Charles Greene building (c. 1902). Jerry Brown is elected for a second four-year term as Mayor of Oakland. The City celebrates 150th anniversary of incorporation.
Originally compiled by the Oakland History Room of the Oakland Public Library, this timeline was expanded and updated by the Community and Economic Development Agency in preparation for the City’s 150th Anniversary.
Learn more about this city
City of OAKLAND, CA official site
City of OAKLAND, CA chamber of commerce
City of OAKLAND, CA general information
City of OAKLAND, CA yellow pages
County of ALAMEDA, CA official site
State of California official site