When most people think of Los Angeles, they think of movie stars, glamour, and the high life. But there is a lot more to this city than that. Los Angeles has a long and complicated history, and it is still growing and changing today.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the interesting aspects of the city’s past and present.
History of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large and sprawling city, with a history that is both long and complicated.
The area was first settled by Native Americans thousands of years ago and later became part of the Spanish Empire. Los Angeles then changed hands several times, before finally becoming part of the United States in 1848.
In the late 19th century, the city began to grow rapidly, thanks to a boom in the agriculture and oil industries. This growth continued into the 20th century, making Los Angeles one of the largest cities in the world.
Today, Los Angeles is known for its diverse population, its vibrant culture, and its beautiful scenery. It is a truly unique city, with a rich and complex history.
The First Inhabitants
The first people to live in the area now known as Los Angeles were the Tongva. They occupied the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding coastal plain for more than 8,000 years before the first Europeans arrived.
The Tongva were a peaceful people who lived in small villages scattered across the landscape. They were hunter-gatherers and also had elaborate trade networks with other indigenous groups in California and beyond.
The Tongva had extensive knowledge of their natural surroundings and made use of every available resource. They were also skilled artisans, crafting beautiful baskets, jewelry, and other objects from materials they gathered from the land.
The Tongva way of life was dramatically disrupted when the Spanish colonized California in the 18th century. Missionaries forced them to convert to Christianity and work in the missions, while settlers took over their land and destroyed their villages.
As a result, the Tongva population declined rapidly, and by the early 20th century, they were all but extinct. Although they no longer exist as a distinct culture, the Tongva people have left a lasting legacy in Los Angeles.
Their name lives on in many place names, including Los Angeles itself, which means “the angels” in Spanish. Their traditions have been passed down through generations of Tongva families who still live in Los Angeles today.
European Settlement
The first European explorers arrived in Santa Monica on around the 10th-14th of October 1542. Their exploration of the region was to plot the coastline of southern and central California and look for the mysterious Strait of Anian. There were two ships in the flotilla that were led by Captain (Later Admiral) Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and Captain Sebastián Vizcaíno. The ships never reached San Francisco harbor due to bad weather.
Los Angeles was first settled by non-natives when the Spanish Portolá expedition arrived around May 4th, 1769. At that time, the area was inhabited by a native tribe called the Tongva. To convert the Tongva to Christianity, the Spanish established a permanent mission in Los Angeles.
The mission was occupied by Catholic priests who attempted to teach the Tongva about Christianity. Unfortunately, their efforts were largely unsuccessful.
The climate in Los Angeles was much drier than the Spanish were accustomed to, and they struggled to survive. As a result, the mission was eventually abandoned.
The Past Meets the Present.
Los Angeles is derived from the Spanish phrase “El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles,” which means “The Town of Our Lady Queen of Angels.”
Even in the center of Los Angeles, there are still places to see the ruins of the past:
- Olvera Street is a Mexican marketplace that was founded in the 18th century. You can still see some of the original buildings and adobe walls from when it was first built.
- The Los Angeles Plaza Historic District is home to several 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the Avila Adobe, the oldest building in the city.
- The San Gabriel Mission, where the Spanish first settled in Los Angeles, is open to the public. The mission is still an active Catholic church, and it’s surrounded by a beautiful cemetery.
American Period in Los Angeles
Los Angeles became part of the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. This was a time of huge growth and prosperity for Los Angeles.
The new American government invested in infrastructure and businesses flourished. Los Angeles became a major center for agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
The population of Los Angeles grew rapidly, reaching over 100,000 by the end of the 19th century. Los Angeles was also a key destination for immigrants from all over the world. The mix of cultures and industries made Los Angeles a dynamic and vibrant city.
The American period was a time of great change and progress for Los Angeles.
19th and Early 20th Century City Growth
Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, with a population of just under four million.
The city grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to a booming economy and large waves of immigrants.
Los Angeles was originally a small ranching town, but it became a major agricultural center in the 1880s. The discovery of oil in Southern California in 1892 led to an economic boom, and the city soon became a major financial center.
Los Angeles also became a popular destination for immigrants from Asia and Europe. The city’s population more than doubled between 1900 and 1910. The growth of Los Angeles continued into the 20th century.
The city’s population exploded, and by 1920 it had reached nearly two million people. Los Angeles became a major metropolis, and its growth continued unchecked until the Great Depression brought it to a halt.
The city recovered by being a major manufacturing center during World War II, and its population reached nearly 2 million by 1950. Los Angeles has continued to grow since then, and it is now one of the largest cities in the world.
The metro area of Los Angeles has a population of nearly 12.5 million in 2022 and it is still growing.
Modern Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the largest and most populous cities in the United States, with a population of over four million people. The city is located on the west coast of California, in the Los Angeles Basin. Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
Downtown Los Angeles is the financial, cultural, and social center of the city. The city’s metropolitan area is home to over thirteen million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Los Angeles is a major global city, with a diverse population and culture.
The city is home to people from all over the world and is a leading center for business, entertainment, and media. LA is also a major transportation hub, with an extensive network of highways and public transportation. Los Angeles is a beautiful city, with many different neighborhoods and attractions to explore.
LA’s History of Earthquakes
Los Angeles has a long and well-documented history of earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The first recorded quake struck in 1812, and since then there have been numerous tremblers, including the 6.7 magnitude Northridge earthquake in 1994.
Despite the risk of earthquakes, the city continues to be one of the most populous cities in the United States. Thanks to stringent building codes and advances in engineering, modern structures can withstand even the strongest shaking.
As a result, while LA will always be at risk for earthquakes, its residents can rest assured that their homes and businesses are safe.
The History of Holywood
Los Angeles is synonymous with the entertainment industry, and Hollywood is the heart of that industry. The history of Hollywood begins with the birth of the film industry in the early 20th century.
Hollywood was originally a small rural community, but it soon became home to many movie studios. The first studio was established in 1911, and there was rapid growth as Hollywood began to establish itself as a major film production center. By the 1920s, it was the undisputed capital of American cinema.
Today, Hollywood remains one of the most important hubs for filmmaking in the world, and its influence can still be seen throughout Los Angeles.
From the distinctive Hollywood Sign to the Walk of Fame, reminders of the city’s rich cinematic history are everywhere. And though Los Angeles has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, its connection to Hollywood remains strong.
LA’s Criminal History
Los Angeles has a long and complicated history of organized crime. In the early days of the city, crime was rampant, and Los Angeles was known as a dangerous place to live.
Los Angeles saw a boom in business after the completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, which led to an increase in crime. This reputation was only further cemented by the rise of the Los Angeles Mafia in the 1920s.
The Los Angeles Mafia was involved in a variety of illegal activities, including gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. They also had a hand in many of the city’s major construction projects, which helped to shape the Los Angeles skyline.
However, their reign came to an end in the 1950s, when law enforcement crackdowns decimated their ranks.
Today, Los Angeles is still home to several organized crime families, but their influence is much diminished. Nevertheless, the city’s criminal history continues to loom large in the public imagination.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Its residents are proud of its many accomplishments, and there is much to love about this vibrant metropolis.
From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the excitement of downtown, Los Angeles has something for everyone.
Sources: THX News, Libary of Congress & Macro Trends.
