Laurel, Oakland, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurel
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MacArthur Boulevard, the heart of the Laurel district
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Location of Laurel in Oakland
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Alameda |
| City | Oakland |
The Laurel District is a lively neighborhood in Oakland, California. It's a mix of homes and shops, located near Interstate 580. The neighborhood sits about 226 feet (69 meters) above sea level. It's surrounded by other Oakland neighborhoods like Allendale, Redwood Heights, Dimond District, and Maxwell Park. At its heart is MacArthur Boulevard, a busy street with many local stores and fun yearly festivals.
The Laurel District's Story
The Laurel District got its name from a housing area called Laurel Grove Park, which was created in 1900. At first, the neighborhood was called Key Route Heights. This name came from the Key Route streetcar system that used to run there. The name changed to Laurel after the city of Oakland built Laurel Elementary School in 1910.
In 2006, the beautiful Laurel Gateway Arches were designed and put up over MacArthur Boulevard. These arches mark the entrances to the district.
MacArthur Boulevard's Past
MacArthur Boulevard, which runs through the Laurel District, was once a major road called U.S. Highway 50. This was before Interstate 580 was built in the early 1960s. Before the interstate, MacArthur Boulevard was a very active place at night. There were two movie theaters: the Hopkins theater and the Laurel Theater. The Hopkins theater is now a Goodwill store, and the Laurel Theater was taken down in 2017.
The Laurel District was also home to the Hilltop Tavern. This was a special meeting place for local Native Americans in the middle of the 20th century. In the 1960s, important meetings for the American Indian Movement happened here. The plans for the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz were even made at this tavern.
Schools in Laurel
The Oakland Unified School District runs the public schools in the area. Laurel Elementary School is right in the Laurel neighborhood. Kids living here also go to Bret Harte Middle School and Skyline High School.
At the southeast end of the Laurel neighborhood is the old John Swett School site. Today, this building is home to The Urban Montessori Charter School. John Swett School closed in 2004, but it's famous for being the elementary school that actor Tom Hanks attended!
