Home»All Photographs»Exploring Chinatown (Los Angeles Conservancy Tour April 17, 2016.

This area began as Sonoratown in the 1850s with Mexican immigrants drawn to California during the Gold Rush. Known for prostitution, cockfighting, and there was a bullfighting ring in 1860s. Eventually, French, Italian, Croatian, German and other European settlers set up shop in this neighborhood. Called Little Italy and French Town before China Town. 1900s Chinese immigrants for railroad work increased. 1913 new railway terminal proposal caused anti-Chinese sentiment and Union Station ultimately destroyed Chinatown. 1970s migration of Chinese-Americans to the San Gabriel Valley and many Restaurants moved with them to cities like Diamond Bar.