John Mason Buffington Residence

This is the location of the former residence of John Mason Buffington. Buffington was drawn to California in 1849 like many others seeking fortune during the Gold Rush. After a successful mining career in Tuoleme County, he set up offices in San Francisco and Stockton to manage his business interests throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland.

Buffington was a veteran of the Mexican-American War and was a member of the Sloat Memorial Committee, active in the Society of California Pioneers, President of the Oakland YMCA, and worked with the LIncoln Association to honor the President's birthday before the date was recognized as a national holiday.

Alongside Anthony Chabot, he helped found the Oakland chapter of the Masons and was instrumental in aquiring the site of the current Masonic Temple that still stands on Lakeside.