Downtown Los Angeles 1901 & Now

Downtown Los Angeles 1901 & Now is a blog post that discusses the history of downtown LA in 1901 and compares it to now. The article explores how much has changed over time, as well as what still remains the same. For example, you can visit Union Station and admire its stately architecture or enjoy a meal at Grand Central Market downtown just like people did back in 1901!

Check out other historical photos from Los Angeles in 1901 below.

Los Angeles California, Broadway Street, View North circa 1901.

Downtown Los Angeles in 1901, looking north from Broadway View. In the left foreground is a small patch of undeveloped land on which stands an oil derrick and some drilling equipment. Beyond this are two structures identified as “Warehouses” along with one half-hidden by trees; beyond them lies other buildings mostly hidden behind the hills in the background.

Front view of the Old Mission Church with its newly installed “bell wall”. There is a clear view of Los Angeles High School up on Fort Moore Hill and its relative relationship to the Plaza and the Plaza Church (via waterandpower.org):

This is a view of the Old Mission Church. The church was built in 1822 and has been restored to its original state, including an addition from 1911 that recreated the bell tower at this end of the building

A full size clickable image for Los Angeles in 1901 is below:

Los Angeles in 1901 and now is a juxtaposition of old vs new. In the early 1900s, downtown Los Angeles was bustling with activity; it had all sorts of businesses, theaters, churches and homes. The Queen Anne style buildings are giving way to skyscrapers that stretch up to touch the sky. At night you can see where our city once was by looking at how lit up it still is compared to other parts of L.A County like Palmdale or Lancaster which have largely been left behind as people move outwards for newer suburbs.

Today downtown L.A is a stark contrast to the city of 1901. The skyline has seen drastic renovations over several decades and it still isn’t done yet, with skyscrapers being built or renovated every year in succession for more living space.

As you can see, Los Angeles has seen a dramatic change in the last 100 years. In 1901 downtown was bustling with activity and had all sorts of businesses, theaters, churches and homes that have given way to skyscrapers which stretch up into the sky touching the heavens. At night it is easy to find where our city once was by looking at how lit up it still is compared to other parts of L.A County like Palmdale or Lancaster which have largely been left behind as people move outwards for newer suburbs – today downtown LA is an entirely different place than what we saw just over 100 years ago! As such predictions about what will happen in Los Angeles are always speculative but one thing I am sure about- this 1910s metropolis is in for some change.