Los Angeles in 1700: Forget Hollywood, Think Hunting Grounds (and Maybe a Siesta)
Ah, Los Angeles. City of Angels, land of dreams, birthplace of reality TV (curse you Kardashians!). But what was LA like before the Walk of Fame, before the smog (okay, maybe not that much before the smog)? Buckle up, history buffs (or pop culture vultures looking for a laugh), because we're taking a trip to 1700s LA – a time decidedly different from the sprawling metropolis we know today.
Forget the Freeway, Meet the Footpath:
Imagine this: instead of battling bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405, the main mode of transportation in 1700s LA was...your feet! A network of trails wound through the area, used by the Tongva people, the indigenous inhabitants, for hunting, gathering, and well, getting groceries weren't really a thing yet.
No Skyscrapers, Just Sunshine (and Maybe a Coyote or Two):
The LA skyline in 1700 was about as impressive as a cardboard box. There were no gleaming skyscrapers, no Hollywood sign. Instead, rolling hills and grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with the occasional oak tree – perfect for escaping the (admittedly mild) California heat. Though keep an eye out for wildlife – coyotes and rabbits roamed freely, and mountain lions were known to prowl the hills (so maybe bring a stick for defense...or just don't wander off alone at night).
The Original Angelinos: The Tongva Take Center Stage
Los Angeles wasn't exactly bustling in the 1700s. The population was somewhere around 500 Tongva people, who had lived in the area for thousands of years. They lived in villages made of thatched huts and enjoyed a life centered around hunting, fishing, and communal gatherings (think giant potlucks, minus the Crock-Pot).
Spanish Arrival: ¡Hola, Los Angeles!
The late 1700s saw the arrival of the Spanish. They weren't exactly the most welcome tourists – they brought diseases that devastated the Tongva population. But hey, at least they gave the place a cool name: "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula" which translates to "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Little Portion." Catchy, right? (Though most people just called it Los Angeles, thankfully).
So, Was 1700s LA a Blast?
Well, that depends on your definition of a blast. If you're into traffic jams, theme parks, and overpriced lattes, then no, 1700s LA probably wouldn't have been your cup of acorn tea. But if you enjoy wide-open spaces, a slower pace of life, and the occasional existential crisis wondering if you'll outrun a coyote, then maybe 1700s LA would have been alright. Just don't forget the sunscreen – California sun hasn't changed a bit!
