Joaquin Miller Abbey — Attraction in Oakland

This building was the home of the poet Joaquin Miller. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and is California Historical Landmark 107.

A commemorative marker reads:

Joaquin Miller, "Poet of the Sierras," resided on these acres, named by him "The Hights [sic]," from 1886 to 1913. In this building, known as The Abby, he wrote "Columbus" and other poems. The surrounding trees were planted by him and he personally built, on the eminence to the north, the funeral pyre and the monuments dedicated to Moses, General John C. Fremont, and Robert Browning. "The Hights [sic]" was purchased by the City of Oakland in 1919.

Tablet erected by the Historical Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West, September 9, 1928.

The poem, Columbus, begins:

Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind the Gates of Hercules; Before him not the ghost of shores, Before him only shoreless seas. The good mate said: "Now must we pray, For lo! the very stars are gone. Brave Admiral, speak, what shall I say?" "Why, say, 'Sail on! sail...

I've passed by this place many times. A couple showed me since there were looking for it since the womans's grandmother knew Joaquin Miller. The house was once a bit of an artist residency with Anglo Sage Brush writers like Bret Harte, Jack London and Ambroise Beirce staying there. An interesting bit of Oakland history. The place is closed and a little dilapidated but could be used again for writers or even a coffee shop for the park. The pyramids, outlook and altar are close by. Joaquin Miller is a beautiful park and definitely what I call secret Oakland and...

Fun little nature spot. Little ones may need to be careful around the huge fallen tree, some of the inclines and industrial stuff (fences, etc.), but it's cool. We went during a rainy stretch, it was lush and a little soft, but not...