Historic McGee-Spaulding District
Berkeley History
Just west of the McGee Tract, the Spaulding Tract became part of the District when it was subdivided in 1876. For decades, the District remained sparsely populated and residents complained of having to pass through "the rural districts of the frontier” to get from one end of the city to the other. In 1884 a Town Hall was built at University Ave. and Sacramento St. in an attempt to unify the city. Five years later the building was moved to this block. It later burned and was replaced by the present City Hall in 1909.
After the 1906 earthquake the District finally became part of the urban pattern, with the Southern Pacific Red Train on California St. and electric streetcar lines along its boundaries: University Ave., Sacramento St., Dwight Way and Grove St./Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
As discriminatory housing practices slowly relaxed after World War II, the District became one of Berkeley's first fully integrated neighborhoods. Citizen action in the 1970s resulted in city ordinances that helped preserve the District's historical character as a quiet residential neighborhood
on the edge of downtown, with a wide variety of architectural styles, from Victorian through World War II tract.
This plaque was donated by the McGee-Spaulding-Hardy Historic Interest Group.
Erected 2012 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 37° 52.135′ N, 122° 16.37′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in Central Berkeley. Marker is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Alston Way, on the right when traveling south on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Berkeley CA 94704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Berkeley High School Alumni: Bobby Seale, Jean Yonemura Wing, Billy Martin (a few steps from this marker); Berkeley Veterans Memorial Grove (a few steps from this marker); Berkeley City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Berkeley High School Industrial Arts and Science (G and H Buildings) (within shouting distance of this marker); City Hall Annex (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.