Produce and Waterfront in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
1. Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon Marker
[Two plaques are placed on Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon:]
above
Heinolds’ First and
Last Chance Saloon
in continuous operation on this site
since 1883 and closely associated
with the famous author
Jack London
was listed on the
National Register of Historic Places
On September 1, 2000
below
Literary Landmarks Register
designates
Heinold’s First and
Last Chance
as a National Literary Landmark.
Befriended by Johnny Heinold
at this original site,
Jack London
met many seafaring and waterfront
characters which he later immortalized
in his adventure novels. Heinold’s
is referred to several times
in his book John Barleycorn.
Erected 1998 by Friends of the Oakand Library.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Literary Landmarks, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 37° 47.632′ N, 122° 16.483′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jack London (a few steps from this marker); Jack London’s Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Jack London Square Development (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oakland Railroad History (about 600 feet away); Pony Express Ferry “Oakland” (about 800 feet away); Origins of Oakland (about 800 feet away); Western Pacific Freight Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oakland's First Wharf (approx. 0.2 miles away).
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
2. Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon Marker
The plaques are on the front, left of the building.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Poultry Producers (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. This marker is located in Jack London Square. Jack London Square is closed to vehicular traffic.
Also see . . . Literary Landmark: Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon - Jack London.
Official American Library Association page explaining the literary significance of this landmark. Additional resources & links are included.(Submitted on August 10, 2025, by Annette Fillmore of York, Pennsylvania.)
Additional keywords. Jack London
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
3. Mural on the left side of Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,001 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on August 10, 2025, by Annette Fillmore of York, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 16, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, citing the building's historical significance. • Can you help?
