Building History

Oakland House opened in 1851 as the first hotel in what was then known as the village of Contra Costa. It was also the site of Oakland's first post office & was located at the southwest corner of 1st Street (now Embarcadero West) and Main Street (now Broadway). Oakland House was even included in the description used to create the town's initial boundaries.

In 1874, James R. Smith (who had previously managed Oakland House), opened Overland House. Overland House hotel & bar is said to have been frequented by Jack London (an American novelist, journalist, and social activist). London mentions Overland many times in his books, and wrote his memoir, John Barleycorn, right here.

In 1909, the building was destroyed in a fire. Later that year, work began on a new building to replace it. Overland House was in business until 1988. Since then, the building has hosted an Italian Restaurant, Country Bar & Grill, & now Overland Station & Port Workspaces.