The team started in Oakland in 1960 as part of the AFL. Some really great teams during the 60s and 70s, and the fan base was amazing (both locally and nationally). Nothing like the stereotyped liberal being touted on FR.
It was only after Al Davis moved the team to LA in 1982, became part of the gang culture in southern CA, and then moved back to Oakland in 1995 that they completely ruined the mystic of the Raiders franchise.
A bit of trivia.
There was no Oakland team when the AFL formed in 1959.
Minneapolis participated in the founding of the league and the first player draft but never fielded a team.
The Minneapolis group went out of business and the franchise was awarded to an Oakland group just two weeks after the initial the draft.
So the Raiders have been home hopping since the AFL was created.
http://www.raiders.com/history/timeline.html?qwr=fullsite_temporary