California is the federal state of the United States located on the west coast of this country. In the north-south direction, the coast of California is about 1,300 km long and has access to the Pacific Ocean. We must also mention that this federal state has the largest share in the United States economy with at least $3.0 trillion. The enormous importance of California is well illustrated by the fact that if this were an independent country, it would be the fifth state in the world on the list of countries with the strongest economies.
But let’s take a look at cities and people in California. Everyone knows that the capital of this federal state is Sacramento since 1854. However, this is not the largest city, but it’s Los Angeles. L.A. is a city that was founded on September 4th, in the year 1781, and it today represents one of the most important cities of the United States. This is the second city on the list of the largest and U.S. and certainly the largest city in California by the number of citizens (about 4 million). Due to its great significance, we decided to present some details about Los Angeles, as well as a brief history of this city. Well, if you’re ready, let’s start.
Short History of L.A.
As we have said, the largest city of California was established in the year of 1781. The history of Los Angeles can be divided into three periods, pre-colonial period, the period of the rule of Spain, and on the post-colonial period. The area that today is known for its numerous sights, institutions and other important locations, was once inhabited by Tongva and Chumash tribes. It was so until 1542 when Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo declared these areas as part of the Spanish Empire.
After more than two centuries, the first settlement was founded, which was the beginning of the metropolis that we all know today as Los Angeles. This settlement was founded by 44 settlers who called it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles (English: The Town of Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels). In this name, you can see that there is a part of ‘Los Angeles’ which has remained to date as the official name of the city. Another important year in the history of L.A. was in 1821. At that time, Mexico declared independence from the Spanish Empire, and California, as well as Los Angeles, became part controlled by Mexico. During the reign of Mexico over these areas, Los Angeles became a regional capital, and in 1950, Los Angeles was granted the status of a city.
The colonial period ended after the Mexican-American War, in the year of 1847, when the Americans took over control of California. After that year, the city’s development and the construction of the railway line began. Soon after, a huge number of people came to Sacramento Valley for the Golden Rush when it became known that those areas were rich in gold. Another significant moment in the post-colonial period was 1892 when oil was discovered in these areas. This great discovery has allowed California to become the largest oil producer, and the economic power of the federal state has allowed Los Angeles to grow.
The industry has made great progress in the coming decades and the City of Angels has become the seat of the film industry when Hollywood became a part of L.A. This meant even greater inflow of money and the economic strengthening of the largest city of California, which was the host of the 1932 Olympic Games. The period during the Second World War was also significant when the city became the center of the construction of aircraft and ships. Today, Los Angeles is one of the most important and second largest cities of the United States.
What are the most famous sights of the City of Angels?
There is no doubt that a huge number of tourists visit this city each year in order to see some of the most interesting sites. But what are the sights for which L.A. has so many tourists?
1. Hollywood
We already mentioned that Hollywood became part of Los Angeles at the beginning of the last century. This suburb is best known for the film industry and the glamor that follows the movie stars. There is no doubt that every person that love movies want to meet some Hollywood actor or actress. Well, if you’re lucky enough, you might see one of them when you’re on a hike. When visiting Hollywood, most people take photos next to the Hollywood sign or walk down the Walk of Fame.
2. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is another very popular place when it comes to tourists. This institution is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum, which was founded by J. Paul Getty, who was involved in the oil business through which he gained wealth. By visiting the Getty Center, all visitors can see a large number of works of art that include pictures, sculptures, drawings…
3. Disneyland Resort
Every child wants to visit Disneyland. Therefore, this is definitely a place that attracts a large number of tourists. It is simply impossible to be bored when you are in Disneyland because all visitors have a large number of contents that are inspired by characters from the famous Disney movies. So, fun is guaranteed.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
There is no doubt that the Universal Studios Theme Park is one of the most interesting spots if you want to see what the making of films looks like behind the scenes. A large number of contents is available to visitors, and certainly among the most attractive ones are rides, for example, on a roller coaster. On that occasion, you can choose one of the thematic rides such as Transformers, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or even The Simpsons-inspired ride.
5. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
This park is the largest one in the federal state of California. When visiting Griffith Park, you will be able to visit the Los Angeles Zoo, the planetarium, and the Griffith Observatory among other things. For example, during a visit to the Griffith Observatory, you will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable of viewing through the Zeiss telescope, where you can see the moon as well as the planets of the solar system.
5 Fun Facts About Los Angeles
- We mentioned earlier 1892 as a very important year in the development of the industry of Los Angeles as well as the entire United States. In that year, oil was discovered in this area, and the place where it happened is located not far from today’s location of the Dodger Stadium.
- When we talking about Dodger Stadium, there is one interesting fact about this building. If you pay attention, you will see that the stadium is carved into the ground, which is not the case with any other baseball stadium. This, in some way, makes the Dodger Stadium unique.
- Did you know that the main reason for the film industry in Hollywood is Thomas Edison? Well, you probably did not. Mr. Edison was at that time a person whose name was behind a large number of patents used while filming. Well, in order to avoid a law that protects the right to intellectual property, the entire film industry ended up in L.A.
- The Hollywood sign is definitely one of the symbols of the suburb of Los Angeles. We all know that the sign is on the hill and it says ‘Hollywood’. However, there was a sign ‘Hollywoodland’ earlier.
- One very interesting fact is about the Getty Museum. Namely, if you look at any picture, you will see that in front of this institution, there are shrubs that each spring require maintenance. Well, you probably expect that people are engaged to do it, but that’s not the case. Here, the goats are the main artists responsible for the arrangement of these bushes.
