Downtown Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Site of College of California
Original Campus of University of California
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2009
1. Site of College of California Marker
University of California, chartered March 23, 1868. Located between Franklin and Harrison, 12th and 14th Streets, from 1869 to 1873, using buildings of former College of California, successor to Contra Costa Academy founded by Henry Durant, June 1853. He was elected first university president in June 1870. University moved to present Berkeley site September 1873.
Erected 1968 by California State Department of Parks and Recreation, Alameda County Historical Society, Oakland Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 45.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1822.
Location. 37° 48.216′ N, 122° 16.2′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. It is in Downtown Oakland. Marker is at the intersection of Franklin Street and 14th Street, on the right when traveling north on Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakland CA 94612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Latham Square (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crossroads (about 700 feet away); The Lathams (about 700 feet away); General Strike! (about
this page online
More about this marker. The marker was mounted on a brick wall of a parking structure. The building was replaced with a 40-story apartment building in 2020, and the marker is now displayed in a window facing Franklin Street near 14th Street.
Regarding Site of College of California.
• The roots of the University of California lie in the foundation of the Contra Costa Academy, which opened in June, 1853 as a private academy for boys. Subsequently the school was incorporated as the College of California in 1855.
• In 1867 the College of California disincorporated, at least in part due to financial difficulties, and the facilities were sold to the state on the condition that a "complete university" be founded.
• In 1868 the University of California was chartered, including both the Oakland site and land for a larger campus four miles to the
April 26, 2009
2. Site of College of California Marker
The marker was mounted on a parking structure. In 2020, the building was replaced with a 40-story apartment building, and the marker is now displayed in a window.
• Initial enrollment in 1869 at the University of California on the Oakland campus was 40 students, with 10 faculty.
• The school became coeducational in 1870, with the enrollment of 17 women.
• Classes began on the Berkeley campus in the fall of 1873, and the Oakland campus was no longer used.
• Today the University of California consists of 10 campuses, has an enrollment of more than 170,000 students (including approximately 40,000 graduate students), and manages 3 national laboratories.
Also see . . . A Historical View of Today's University. The University's historical overview of the University of California, including information on its founding and growth, as well as biographies of a number of key figures in its development. (Submitted on May 20, 2009.)
Additional keywords. California Historical Landmark
Photographed By Craig Baker
3. Site of College of California Marker
The marker is at the center of this photo.
Photographed By WIlliam B. Ingersall
4. Henry Durant - First Univsity President of the University of California
Henry Durant (1802-1875) was elected the first university president of the University of California by the university regents on August 16, 1870. He served for two years before resigning in favor of someone younger and with the necessary energy to build the institution. (Photo courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,621 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on May 20, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
