Heroes and Villains of Early Los Angeles

   Los Angeles in the early nineteenth century had remained under the power of Spanish authorities. Ranchos provided the agriculture to nearby Missions and presidios, and Native Tongva lived alongside the Spanish in very limited numbers. By the near middle of the century Mexico declared independence, and almost two decades later the United States took control of California. The nineteenth century of Los Angeles developed under three different countries and not until the end of the century did the city begin to finally drift from its pueblo years. So while Los Angeles was still the Wild Western city let’s look at some of the heroes and villains that shaped the progress of the city under Spanish authorities.

   For starters the leader of the expedition to Los Angeles to settle the pueblo Filipe De Neve, his responsibilities included overseeing the migration and settlement of El Pueblo De Los Angeles. Unfortunately no images exist of him only artististic representations. De Neve wanted to develop the pueblo as a secular community. His intentions for a secular community vary from agricultural benefits to economic and religious differences. However, he also wanted to provide a non- religious community for natives and settlers alike. Another particular individual more commonly referred to as the Twelfth poblador Antonio Miranda Rodriquez never quite officially made it to Los Angeles. Although he had initially signed up and recruited to join De Neve. Rodriguez got stuck behind while caring for his ill stricken daughter. After residing in Loreto Mexico he finally made way north and settled in Santa Barbara. There is some debate whether or not he ever traveled to or from the presidio and the pueblo. However no records have provided evidence.

   Other from individuals, Los Angeles in the early years resembled nothing of what it looks like today. The most starching difference other than the buildings would be the lack of a concrete river. Modern Angelinos have no memory of the natural Rio Porciúncula, the Spanish name for the Los Angeles River. Less than five miles today are even natural river beds and embankments. Thankfully wonderful organizations and philanthropist alike are joining together to help bring the natural river back. The natural river had trees, brush, aquatic life, enough substance for the Tongva to circulate through the region annually. The River provided irrigation to the early Pueblo as well. However, for the sake of this post the River plays roles as both antagonist and protagonist.Although the river supported the development of the region it also plagued Los Angeles struggle for centuries to come.

   As most residents know water is a constant battle for southern California. However, the Los Angeles River would literally battle settlers and take on early attempts at building a city. Inconsistent flood patterns and drastic flash floods resulted it the destruction of the pueblo’s plaza three different times. The real heroes of Los Angeles are the individuals that braved the floods and quickly rebuilt their community. If flood destruction had not done enough damage, the long drought seasons made agriculture difficult. Yet ingenuity through irrigation systems helped provide steady water flow, unfortunately it aided to the beginning destruction of the Los Angeles River.

   The latter decades in Los Angeles see the continued battle against water, which will be examined. There are many individuals who have played roles in the cultural development of Los Angeles during this time as well, and these individuals will respectfully be given their own post to describe their efforts and accomplishments. However, I invite all readers to add any individuals, whether it is a legend, family tale, or an historical figure that helped develop Los Angeles during the nineteenth century.