Oakland became a transportation and industrial hub in the late 19th century as its oak-studded ranches and fruit orchards evolved into urban neighborhoods. Just as the postcard was born at the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition, Oakland began its transformation into a major city. As postcards grew in popularity, Oakland grew astride, led by two ambitious mayors, Frank K. Mott and John L. Davie. Mott, a proponent of the "City Beautiful" movement, fostered the creation of grand boulevards and imposing civic buildings, while his successor Davie oversaw expansion of the port, a regional parks system, and one of the first commercial airports in the nation. All of these, along with picturesque Lake Merritt, made excellent subjects for hundreds of postcards.
