Los Angeles history began with Indigenous peoples, followed by Spanish colonization establishing El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles in 1781; it grew from a Mexican pueblo to an American city after the Mexican-American War, booming in the late 1800s with railroads and health seekers, then exploded as a metropolis with the rise of the film industry, post-war growth, and diverse cultures, marked by booms, social tensions (like the Zoot Suit & Watts Riots), and natural events like earthquakes, becoming a global hub.

Early History & Founding Indigenous

Roots: The area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia before European arrival.

Spanish Founding: 44 settlers (Pobladores) founded El Pueblo de Los Angeles in 1781, near modern-day Olvera Street, establishing a Spanish colonial outpost.

Mexican Rule: After Mexican independence, LA remained a small town under Mexican rule until 1848. Americanization & Early Growth (1848-1900s)

U.S. Acquisition: Following the Mexican-American War, LA became part of the U.S..

Railroad Boom: The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876 connected LA to the East, fueling massive growth.

"Sick Rush": The city attracted newcomers seeking a healthy climate, creating early booms.

The 20th Century:

Metropolis & Hollywood Film Industry: The early 1900s saw the rise of Hollywood, attracting filmmakers and workers.

Water & Growth: The Owens Valley aqueduct brought crucial water, enabling vast expansion.

Population Surge: World War II and post-war economic booms brought millions to the region, including massive suburban development like Lakewood.

Port of LA: The containerization revolution in the 1950s solidified the Port of LA as a global trade hub.

Defining Moments & Challenges

Zoot Suit Riots (1943): Racial tensions erupted in violence against Mexican-American youths.

Watts Riots (1965): Significant racial unrest followed the Rodney King beating.

Natural Disasters: The city has faced major earthquakes (1933 Long Beach, 1971 Sylmar, 1994 Northridge) and wildfires.

Modern LA

Cultural Hub: LA became a diverse, global city known for entertainment, trade, and culture.

Olympics: Hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932, 1984, and is set to again in 2028.