The San Fernando Valley has a fascinating history which lends itself to a variety of topics. Before statehood in 1850, our valley was inhabited by the native tribes, then by the Spanish in 1769 bringing Catholicism and Missions, and then, by Mexican rule, carving the valley into large land grants. With Statehood, we gained railroads and saw the rise of small farm towns, all precursors to our later population explosion. Major building projects, such as the Los Angeles Aqueduct, facilitated new development. Meanwhile, the motion picture, automobile and aircraft industries spurred economic growth during and after World War II. Returning veterans fueled a housing boom leading to bigger and better freeways. All of these events involved fascinating people. These are but a few of the captivating stories about the San Fernando Valley. Come join us as we explore the history of this region we call home.
