HOME > The Original Name of Los Angeles: A History of the City's Indigenous Roots
Introduction
Los Angeles is a city that is known for its glitz and glamour, but few people realize that it has a rich indigenous history that dates back thousands of years. The original name of the city was not Los Angeles, but rather a name that reflected the indigenous roots of the area. In this article, we will explore the original name of Los Angeles and the indigenous history that shaped the city's development.
The Tongva People
The indigenous people of the Los Angeles area were the Tongva, also known as the Gabrielino-Tongva. They were a hunter-gatherer society that lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Tongva had a complex social structure and a rich spiritual tradition that was deeply connected to the land.
The Original Name of Los Angeles
The original name of Los Angeles was 'Yang-na', which means 'place of poison oak' in the Tongva language. This name reflected the abundance of poison oak that grew in the area and was an important landmark for the Tongva people. The Yang-na village was located near the Los Angeles River and was an important trading center for the Tongva.
The Arrival of the Spanish
In 1769, the Spanish arrived in the Los Angeles area and began to establish missions and settlements. The Tongva people were forced to adapt to the new way of life that the Spanish brought with them. Many Tongva were forced to work in the missions and were subjected to harsh treatment. The arrival of the Spanish marked the beginning of a new era for the Los Angeles area.
The Mexican Period
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and the Los Angeles area became part of Mexico. During this period, the city began to grow and develop. The original name of Los Angeles was changed to 'El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula', which means 'The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Porciúncula River'. This name was a reflection of the city's Catholic heritage and the importance of the river to the city's development.
The American Period
In 1848, the United States gained control of California and the Los Angeles area became part of the United States. The city continued to grow and develop, and the original name of Los Angeles was shortened to simply 'Los Angeles'. The city became a hub of commerce and industry, and its population continued to grow rapidly.
Conclusion
The original name of Los Angeles, 'Yang-na', is a reminder of the city's indigenous roots and the rich history that shaped its development. The Tongva people were the original inhabitants of the area and their culture and traditions continue to influence the city to this day. By exploring the original name of Los Angeles, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the indigenous history of the city and the people who called it home for thousands of years.
