Los Angeles humble beginnings—from small farming village to alpha city

This day in history, Los Angeles was founded: September 4, 1781

Photo byMartin AdamsonUnsplash

On September 4, 1781, settlers, known as “Los Pobladores,” decided to lay down roots in what would eventually become Los Angeles, a city that would grow beyond their wildest imaginations.

These settlers were a diverse group of people, including African, Native American, and European backgrounds, making the early foundation of L.A. as multicultural as it is today.

They named their new home “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula.” Thankfully, we now just call it Los Angeles or simply L.A.

What these settlers started on that September day over 240 years ago was the seed of what would grow into the second most populous city in the United States, rising to the rank of alpha city.

From its humble beginnings as a small farming community, Los Angeles has since transformed into a sprawling metropolis famous around the world.

Most people associate L.A. with Hollywood. When you hear the word "Hollywood," you probably think of glitz, glamor, and the birthplace of the movie industry.

But back in 1781, those early settlers had no idea that the dusty little town they were founding would someday become the entertainment capital of the world.

Up until the early 20th century, the area was mostly known for its agriculture until filmmakers realized that the consistent sunshine and diverse landscapes made it a perfect place to shoot movies.

Fast forward to today, and Hollywood is a symbol of the American dream, creativity, and influencing global media culture. It’s where stars are born and where stories that entertain audiences around the world are created.

From its humble beginning, Los Angeles is now a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and history. From the historic Olvera Street, which gives a glimpse into the city’s Mexican heritage, to the streets of Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown, Los Angeles is a mixture of cultures and experiences.

Starting with 44 settlers and some farm animals, Los Angeles is now home to millions of people.