Description
This collection contains 131
black-and-white photographs (including some duplicates) of views of building exteriors and
streets scenes in Old Chinatown and neighboring residential and industrial areas of downtown
Los Angeles, California, that were taken prior to the demolition of the area beginning on
December 23, 1933, to make way for the Los Angeles Union Station railroad passenger
terminal. The views include images of industrial and commercial areas; retail storefronts;
warehouses, manufacturing, utility and railroad buildings; houses and apartments with
balconies; dirt streets and alleys; children; automobiles; and dilapidated and vacant
buildings. Notably, almost all of the images are annotated with the street addresses of the
buildings depicted.
Background
Chinese immigrants began establishing businesses and residences in downtown Los Angeles in
the 1870s, near the historic Los Angeles Plaza. By the 1880s, the Chinatown community had
expanded to east of Alameda Street to land bordered by Macy Street (later renamed Cesar E.
Chavez Avenue). In the 1910s, property near the Plaza that encompassed much of Chinatown and
adjacent railroad and industrial land was identified as a potential site for a union
passenger railroad terminal to be shared by the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Union Pacific
Railroad, and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. By the early 1930s, following
years of litigation over the project, plans were finalized to build the terminal on the
site. The project required the acquisition of the land, much of it owned by the Southern
Pacific Railroad, the relocation of affected residents, and the razing of all buildings. The
demolition of old Chinatown began on December 23, 1933, and the grand opening of the Los
Angeles Union Passenger Terminal occurred on May 3, 1939. "New Chinatown," developed by
Chinese-American leaders, was built a few blocks north of the old Chinatown, opened in June
1938.
Extent
0.75 Linear Feet
(1 box)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.