Los Angeles State Historic Park
Since acquiring the 34-acre parcel in 2001, California State Parks has worked hand in hand with surrounding communities to develop Los Angeles State Historic Park as a space for civic dialogue, cultural celebration and historic remembrance. Hidden under the park are indelible remnants of the commercial power of this former rail yard and historical significance of the site of the Southern Pacific Transportation Company’s River Station, considered the “Ellis Island of Los Angeles.” Archaeological investigation and park construction revealed thousands of hand chiseled 19th century granite paving stones. An exposed segment of the brick-encased Zanja Madre, the earthen-walled ditch that carried water from the Los Angeles River to the plaza of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, can be glimpsed through the fence across the adjacent rail tracks.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare