Los Santos Insider | HISTORY INSIDER: A Journey Through Time - Unearthing the Rich History of Los Santos

[CertifiedKiller]

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History Insider:  A Journey Through Time - Unearthing the Rich History of Los Santos

Written & Photography by Lucy Summers

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(Pictured Above: The Templar Building, built in 1934 it's one of the many older buildings you can find around the city.)

 

Ahh, Los Santos. Nestled in water in the heart of Southern San Andreas, Los Santos stands as a living testament to the American Dream, attracting countless dreamers from across the globe to its sun-kissed shores. Yet beyond the glitz and glamour of Vinewood and the rocky coastlines of our beloved island lies a captivating history that forged the city into the vibrant and diverse metropolis it is today. Let's embark on a journey back in time and uncover the enthralling tale of Los Santos - from its modest origins to its current status as a global cultural hub.

 

 

 

The Founding and Early Days (1781 - 1850):
Los Santos' roots stretch back to September 4, 1781, when a courageous group of 44 settlers, known as "Los Pobladores," established El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Santos del Río de Zancúdo (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Saints on the Zancudo River). Under the rule of Spanish colonialists, the settlement thrived as a humble agricultural community, focusing on cattle ranching and farming. Much of this is still evident today with many of the old ranches still standing in some way or another! Infact, our very own Señora Desert still bares the name of these early settlers!

(Pictured Above: Legion Square (Then 'Plaza de Pershing'), circa 1828)

 

Mexican Rule and the San Andreas Gold Rush (1850 - 1890):
Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 as a result of the Mexican-American war, Los Santos fell under American jurisdiction as part of the newly acquired San Andreas territory. The city's growth surged during the San Andreas Gold Rush, beckoning a tide of weary western prospectors in search of wealth and fortune. The late 19th century brought forth the discovery of oil, propelling Los Santos' a huge economic expansion. Infact, to this day many areas around Los Santos still have décor dating back to Mexican rule!

 

(Pictured Above: Los Santos, 1947)

 

 

The Birth of Vinewood (1900s - 1920s):
The early 20th century marked a significant turning point for Los Santos, especially with the emergence of the motion picture industry. Vinewood, a bustling neighbourhood within the city, became synonymous with the magic of the silver screen, forever altering Los Santos' identity and catapulting it into the global entertainment spotlight. Iconic studios like Paramount and Warner Bros. turned Vinewood into a mecca for filmmaking. These companies still operate to this day and you can still find movies on the big screen bearing their logos! Vinewood actually originated as a series of residential neighbourhoods, however due to the

rich lifestyle of their residents and the near by motion picture studios it soon become associated with the rising film industry! 

 

(Pictured Above: Los Santos, 1959)

 

The Rise of Aviation and Aerospace (1930s - 1950s):
During the 1930s and 1940s, Los Santos ascended as a prominent hub for aviation and aerospace industries. Esteemed aircraft manufacturers like Buckingham, Mammoth, and Jobuilt played pivotal roles during the tumultuous times of World War II, elevating the city's reputation as a nucleus of innovation and technological progress. Los Santos and San Andreas especially continues to be a prime production state of all kinds of aircraft, we have companies coming from all over the world to invest in our aerodromes. Our very own LSX international airport is one of the most recognizable airports in the world! The War Museum in Downtown Pillbox still displays a variety of articles from this period.

 

 

(Pictured Above: Martin Luther King Jr. in Los Santos, 1966)

 

Civil Rights and Social Movements (1960s - 1980s):
Los Santos played a central role in numerous civil rights and social movements. The watershed 1965 Watts Riots underscored racial tensions and inequalities, sparking fervent efforts for social reform. Concurrently, the Chicano Movement, advocating for Mexican-American rights, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement garnered momentum, leaving an indelible mark on the city's tapestry.

 

(Pictured Above: Los Santos City Hall, 2013)

 

 

(Pictured Above: Pershing Square (Later Legion), 1993)

 

Modern Los Santos (1990s - Present):
As we step into the present, Los Santos continues to evolve and thrive. Its global influence in entertainment, fashion, technology, and culture remains unparalleled. The city's rich diversity, embracing various ethnicities, languages, and traditions, truly cements its status as a dynamic cultural melting pot.

From the genesis of El Pueblo to the rise of Vinewood and beyond, Los Santos has weathered trials and celebrated triumphs, moulding a city that embodies the dreams and combined aspirations of countless souls. As we motion our course into the future, cherishing the historical threads woven into the fabric of this remarkable city is paramount. Los Santos narrative is far from complete, and as it moves ahead, its allure will undoubtedly continue captivate hearts and inspire the world.

 

 

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Edited July 26, 2023 by CertifiedKiller

[Pearlette Clary]

Name: MrsClary1953

Comment: This sure brings back a lot of memories... I was 11 years old when Dr. King gave that speech! And I was there at those riots—and the school walkouts in '68, too! If you're looking to learn more please give me a call at 9840513, or through email at [email protected]. Take me out to eat and I'll tell you some stories!

Edited July 31, 2023 by Pearlette Clary

[Recluso]

Name: YesMan

Comment: What a lovely piece! We think so much about the present and long deeply for the future that we easily forget our past and the men and women involved in building our great city.

Edited July 25, 2023 by Recluso