What do you get when you put 44 settlers on some land near a river with a weird name and a Spanish governor who wanted to found a pueblo? You get the beginnings of Los Angeles back in 1781. The river, by the way, was called Porciuncula River. The spot where it all started is now called El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park. Most people just call it La Plaza.
Can you guess when this photo was taken? Hint: It's the same year a 6.3 earthquake hit Long Beach. Still don't know? Watch this 2-minute video to find out.
Our thanks to the Automobile Club of Southern California Archives for sharing this photo. Use the slider below to compare then and now.
