If the time humankind has spent on earth were compared to a twenty-four hour day, then only in the last half hour have there been settlements of more than a hundred people. Only a few minutes have elapsed since towns and cities first emerged, and large-scale urbanization has been going on for less than sixty seconds. Yet such has been the impact of those 'minutes' on humans that the very word we use for society's total cultural complex - civilization - is inextricably connected with the city.

This web site examines the history of a city - the city of Oakland. The site of the current city meets the historical geographical requirements for development: temperate climate, fertile soil, mineral resources, level terrain, fresh drinking water, and access to the sea. It is the last two criteria that have most impacted the fate of Oakland. Oakland's access to the sea has allowed a flux of indians, miners, shipbuilders, factory workers and immigrants to flow in and out of the city. Oakland's level terrain inspired railroads, factories, and commercial development along its shores. What is true today about Oakland, and has always been true, is that it is a city on the move. Throughout its history not only have different groups of people moved in and out of the city, but different parts of the city itself have been moved. This site explores the peripatetic nature of a city - Oakland on the Move.