Interesting Facts

Often referred to in the Bay area as that "other city," Oakland has always suffered from comparisons to its more glamorous neighbor, San Francisco. Oakland's working class image dates back to the 1850's when the city began. It served as a port that shipped supplies and materials during the Gold Rush. That blue-collar ethic was reinforced during WWII, as the city became a hub for shipbuilding and industry. Today, it's one of the busiest ports on the West Coast.
Many people may not realize it but Oakland has a rich musical heritage. Back in the 40's and 50's, places such as Eli's Mile High Club gave birth to the West Coast Blues movement. Oakland has produced many influential rap artists, including M.C. Hammer, Digital Underground and Tupac Shakur.
Befitting its blue-collar image, Oakland spawned one of the most notorious � and successful � NFL football franchises in history. The Oakland Raiders of the 1960's and 70's were an intimidating band of offbeat characters and zany misfits, that included Kenny "The Snake" Stabler, Ben Davidson, Otis Sistrunk, Jack Tatum, Ted Hendricks, and countless others. They were, of course, coached by the famous TV analyst, John Madden. They won their first Super Bowl in 1976.
Contrary to popular belief, Oak Town is not all factories and urban blight. The area is home to the beautiful Redwood Regional Park. The park is a pristine natural retreat that features numerous hiking trails � particularly the 31-mile Skyline Trail � and various picnic spots.
Culture? In Oakland? You bet. One of Oakland's most popular attractions is the impressive Oakland Museum of California, which showcases art, history and various other exhibits. Highlights include the Hall of California Natural Sciences, the Cowell Hall of California History and the Gallery of California Art.
For sheer natural beauty, Oakland's Lake Merritt is hard to beat. It's also distinguished as the world's only saltwater tidal lake located within a city. 155-acre area is a haven for outdoor recreation from boating and watersports to hiking and jogging.
Oakland was the home of the famous twentieth-century adventure writer, Jack London. Enthusiasts can step back in time and glimpse the late author's life at Jack London Square. Check out the Jack London Log Cabin, where London lived during the late 1800's. Or pop in to Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, a watering hole he frequented for creative inspiration.
In the 1960's, Oakland was politically charged. The city even served as a breeding ground for radical political movements at times. As a case in point, the Black Panthers were founded in Oakland in 1966 by Eldridge Cleaver, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The often militant group sought the end of political and cultural oppression for blacks.
Catch a ride with BART. Getting in and out the Bay area is a snap thanks to the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (a.k.a. � BART). BART trains connect Oakland with San Francisco, Berkeley, and other nearby destinations. BART also makes several stops within Oakland for your convenience.
During the early 1970's, the city of Oakland was cast into the public eye with the famous kidnapping of Patty Hearst by the Oakland-based Symbionese Liberation Army. Hearst, a direct heir to the Hearst fortune, went from being a tragic victim to a compliant villain when she was caught on tape participating in a bank robbery with the S.L.A.