The History of Los Angeles is rich and varied, tracing back thousands of years before the city was officially founded.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Los Angeles was home to the Tongva people, who called the region Yaa. The Tongva were skilled at fishing, hunting, and gathering, with a sophisticated understanding of their environment.
In 1769, Gaspar de Portolá led an expedition from San Diego to Monterey, passing through the Los Angeles basin. This exploration paved the way for the Spanish colonization of Alta California. In 1781, El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles was founded, marking the official beginning of the city. The pueblo grew slowly, initially serving as an agricultural community.
Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, Los Angeles became part of Mexico. During this period, the city saw an influx of Mexican settlers, and ranching became a dominant economic activity. Land grants were issued, creating vast ranches like Rancho San Pedro.
After the Mexican-American War ended in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, California was ceded to the United States. Los Angeles was incorporated as a city in 1850, the same year California became a state. The city's growth was slow until the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876, which significantly boosted its development.
The early 20th century saw Los Angeles undergo rapid urbanization and industrialization. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s turned the city into an economic powerhouse. The development of Hollywood in the 1910s made Los Angeles the entertainment capital of the world. The construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, spearheaded by William Mulholland, brought water from the Owens Valley, enabling further growth.
Post-World War II, Los Angeles experienced a population boom due to the defense industry and the suburbanization trend. This period also saw significant social changes, including the civil rights movement, the growth of the Chicano Movement, and the rise of counterculture.
Los Angeles has continued to evolve into the 21st century, facing challenges like urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental issues. It remains a global city known for its diversity, cultural landmarks like The Getty Center, and its significant role in international trade, particularly through the Port of Los Angeles.