URBANIZATION OF SAN FRANCISCO AND LOS ANGELES 1880-1920
By Esther Chun
Introduction
Banners are raised and streets filled with jovial cheers as California celebrated its statehood on October 29, 1850. Soon after, California would rapidly develop and within four decades be transformed into a mega state. Specifically, San Francisco and Los Angeles were two cities that enraptured the nation and brought California into enormous popularity. The growth and urbanization of San Francisco and Los Angeles in the late 19th century was a result of the boosterism, investments, and advertising that changed the image of California and promoted an exceptional
narrative of success, agricultural stability, freedom, health, vitality, and a city without the problems of industrialization.
Beginnings of San Francisco
Surprisingly, the large city that came to be known as San Francisco had more humble roots as a sleepy village, but it transformed itself into a busy mining town within a decade due to the Gold Rush. The population of San Francisco in 1848 was less than a thousand but one year after the discovery of gold, there were close to 25,000 people living on this small peninsula (Bayard, pg. 10). Instantaneously, this village became the central harbor welcoming the thousands of miners flooding into its shore with ships strewn throughout the waters, as illustrated by William B. McMurtrie’s “View of San Francisco Taken from Telegraph Hill”. By 1850, there were
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635 vessels abandoned in this busy harbor and being resourceful, some were eventually turned into “warehouses, saloons, hotels, and… a city prison” (Starr, p.82) Moreover, boarding those ships were men from the United States, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and Australia who endured tumultuous nights as they traveled by sea in hopes of finding those precious veins of gold. As a result of the massive influx of miners, the exponential population growth demanded for a quick assembling of the city into a considerably functional mining town. Ultimately, the discovery of gold completely transformed San Francisco as thousand of men from all backgrounds settled into this new frontier.
Post Gold Rush
Yet this growth came at a cost and San Francisco developed a reputation of being “wild, free, unconstrained, and exuberant” and this unstructured and predominantly male society harbored tension and unequal power relationships (Starr, pg. 82). This new frontier lifestyle offered young men the opportunity to make money fast and to spend it on alcohol, women, and entertainment. Saloons and dance halls proved to be profitable as men flooded into these establishments in order to gain a sense of power through gambling, brawls, and sexual encounters. Unfortunately though, this licentious culture fostered violence and San Francisco was gripped with homicide rates of 414 murders per 100,000 people by 1851(Starr, pg. 84). As a result, the San Francisco Vigilante Committee was created to combat the crimes; yet it did very little to help the foreigners living in the crowded city. The diversity of San Francisco was uncomfortably new to the many incoming Anglo-Americans, especially as they witnessed their counterparts becoming more successful.
The unwanted competition of Mexican, Indian, and Chinese miners created negative sentiments that led to intense racial tension and violence. Specifically, discriminatory legislature such as the Foreign Miners’ Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act demonstrated the racism prevalent in the mining towns. Furthermore, lynch laws justified violence towards foreign miners and lynching became a tool for “race-based antagonism” (Starr, pg. 85). This violence and tension soon painted the reputation of this growing city and many Americans were wary of coming to California. |
Urbanization of San Francisco
By the late 1800s, San Francisco was faced with a poor reputation and a declining economy and it was in desperate need of reinvention in order to attract American families and business. The only hindrance California faced from reaching its full potential was its lack of enterprise and population (Brechin, pg. 187). Therefore, San Francisco had to advertise itself as an old yet urban cosmopolitan to bring people into the city. In order to do so, boosters such as newspaper mogul, Michael de Young, took great measures to promote the myth of the “Golden State” through his articles in The Chronicle. The de Young brothers promoted the city as the center of “refinement, patronage, and culture- the Paris of the Pacific” and this message of prosperity shaped public opinion (Brechin, pg. 185). Efforts were made to construct
skyscrapers and buildings on Market Street to resemble New York and Chicago and it brought a new sense of pride and identity to San Francisco. Slowly, more “respectable women” trickled into the city and with them came “churches, synagogues, and schools” (Starr, pg. 88). These newly established institutions emulated the east coast and European architecture and culture, which brought a sense of familiarity to incoming Anglo-Americans. Through these institutions, San Francisco was able to reinvent itself into a welcoming city of success and wealth. In addition to physical changes, a reconstruction of San Francisco’s society resulted in a newfound sense of high-class and elitism through the creation of societies, fraternities, and clubs. The publication of etiquette books and formation of army garrisons, fire companies, and societies promoted genteel attitudes and class into San Francisco (Haggerty, pg. 103). Ultimately, San Francisco moved past its frontier roots and began to resemble old and respectable cities such as New York and Paris. |
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A MODERN APPROACH
However, Los Angeles took a more modern approach compared to San Francisco, as it was ripe for reinvention since its more small and agricultural beginnings. Despite the dramatic changes happening in Northern California during the Gold Rush, Los Angeles was still a small town. As illustrated in “Bird’s Eye View of Azusa, Los Angeles”, Southern California had plenty of land that was ideal for ranching in the 19th century. In fact, the pure Spaniards, known as the gente de razon, “monopolized the government positions, constituted the officer class of the military and owned the ranches” in the 1800s (McWilliams, pg. 53). They controlled the economy and their influence was powerful but short-lived. Due to plummeting stocks in cattle and the devastating drought from 1862-1864, the cattle industry crumbled, which left the rancheros with debt and unpaid taxes (McWilliams, pg. 62). As a result, their land and wealth were confiscated and their loss became a golden opportunity for the incoming Anglo-Americans.
a boomiing Los angeles
By the 1880s, the California Trail and Santa Fe Railroads connected California to the rest of the United States and this period, known as the “Boom of the Eighties”, transformed Southern California into an American society as thousands of people migrated into the state to enjoy this newfound “utopia” (Starr, pg. 146). Rapidly, Americans immigrated to take part in the rich climate, beautiful landscape, and agricultural success offered in Southern California. The warm seasons, arid weather, blue skies, and oceans made it a popular resort for tourists escaping freezing winters. Soon, a Mediterranean metaphor began to shape the region and many people came seeking for restoration and health (Starr, pg. 147). In addition to the beautiful terrain and exceptional weather, Southern California provided the land and labor needed for agriculture. The mass production of fresh fruits and vegetables was attainable due to improved irrigation, and cities like San Bernardino became part of the “citrus belt” producing oranges and lemons (McWilliams, pg. 206). Artwork on orange crates depicted Southern California as fertile and a “sun kissed” paradise that offered all the pleasures and conveniences of the modern world. Effortlessly, boosters were able to attract businesses and people to invest in cities like Los Angeles due to its land and climate.
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spanish fantasy
However modern Los Angeles was becoming, its Spanish past could not be ignored and at the turn of the century, Americans embraced a “Spanish fantasy” that was palatable and quite romantic. Through Helen Hunt Jackson’s book, Ramona, a strange fascination of California’s mission system and Spanish past bewitched Americans. Although her writings were “tissue of falsehoods”, people began to believe in this romanticized history and Southern California began to develop a distinct cultural identity that was intertwined with European and Mexican influence (McWilliams, pg. 73). People flocked by train to visit “Ramona County” which helped spark “new promotional possibilities” for business (Kropp, pg. 48). Growing sentiment allowed for the construction of the El Camino Real, which gave tourists the opportunity to visit California’s missions. This tour made it possible for Anglo-Americans to reclaim and rediscover their past and experience a sense of accomplishment and conquest while looking at the old ruins. For Californians, the missions offered something different that no other states on the East could provide and this created a sense of regional pride. Ultimately, the Mediterranean metaphor and Spanish fantasy attracted the nation and thousands to come be part of this mysterious paradise that was peculiar to Southern California.
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Popular and powerful
By the end of the 1920s, San Francisco and Los Angeles created a lens through which the “larger American identity… could be glimpsed” (Starr, pg. 134). California was the land of opportunities, prosperity, and rich history in which the nation and world could follow in pursuit. The building and rebuilding of San Francisco made it seem as though California was a land of exhaustless resources and energy, yet without the problems of industrialization. Los Angeles was depicted as a paradise providing leisure, comfort, and attractions. Within four decades, this new state fulfilled the “Higher Providential Calling” and proved to be an exceptional narrative of success and glory.
further research questions:
1. Compare and contrast the development of San Francisco and Los Angeles. What factors influenced each city to become so distinct in their own culture and society?
2. Explain the significance of the Spanish Fantasy in shaping Southern California history and culture. In what ways has the Spanish past been changed to meet the expectations of American ideals?
2. Explain the significance of the Spanish Fantasy in shaping Southern California history and culture. In what ways has the Spanish past been changed to meet the expectations of American ideals?
Secondary Sources:
1. Brechin, Gray A. "The De Youngs." Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin: With a New Preface. Berkeley: U of California, 2006. N. pag. Print.
2. Haggerty, Timothy J. "The San Francisco Gentleman." California History 65.2 (1986): 96-103.JSTOR. Web. Feb. 2015
3. Kropp, Phoebe S. "The Road, The Fair, and The Home." California Vieja: Culture and Memory in a Modern American Place. Berkeley: U of California, 2006. 47-207. Print.
4. Starr, Kevin. California: A History. New York: Modern Library, 2005. Print.
Primary Sources:
1. Johnston, Frances Benjamin. California architecture and gardens. 1902-1923. Photograph. Library of Congress. Library of Congress. Web. 3 March 2015 <http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/coll/item/87707092/>
2. Keller. “The Modern Messiah”. Cartoon. Wasp. Web 3 March 2015 <http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist5/wilde1.html>
3. Masters, Nathan. How El Camino Real, California’s ‘Royal Road,’ was Invented. KCET. 4 January 2013. Web. 3 March 2015. <http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/history/la-as-subject/el-camino-real.html>
4. McMurtrie, William B. “View of San Francisco Taken from Telegraph Hill”. Illustration. California State Library. Web. 3 March 2015. <http://www.library.ca.gov/goldrush/images/goldrush_pic/II_img10.jpg>
5. Moore, E.S. “Bird’s Eye View of Azusa, Los Angeles Co. Cal.,1887”. Illustration. Library of Congress. Web. 24 February 2015. <http://www.loc.gov/>.
6. Taylor, Bayard. San Francisco in November 1848. Illustration. El Dorado: pg.10. Web. 3 March 2015
7."Earthquake and Fire-San Francisco in Ruins." Call-chronicle-examiner [San Francisco] 19 Apr. 1906, Library of Congress. Web. 24. February 2015.
8. “Valencias Albion Brand”. Illustration. Placentia Mutual Orange ASSN. 1920. The Labelman. Web. 3 March 2015 <http://www.thelabelman.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=646&osCsid=85a6b587915f0fd061d3370647b8d9dd>
1. Brechin, Gray A. "The De Youngs." Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin: With a New Preface. Berkeley: U of California, 2006. N. pag. Print.
2. Haggerty, Timothy J. "The San Francisco Gentleman." California History 65.2 (1986): 96-103.JSTOR. Web. Feb. 2015
3. Kropp, Phoebe S. "The Road, The Fair, and The Home." California Vieja: Culture and Memory in a Modern American Place. Berkeley: U of California, 2006. 47-207. Print.
4. Starr, Kevin. California: A History. New York: Modern Library, 2005. Print.
Primary Sources:
1. Johnston, Frances Benjamin. California architecture and gardens. 1902-1923. Photograph. Library of Congress. Library of Congress. Web. 3 March 2015 <http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/coll/item/87707092/>
2. Keller. “The Modern Messiah”. Cartoon. Wasp. Web 3 March 2015 <http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist5/wilde1.html>
3. Masters, Nathan. How El Camino Real, California’s ‘Royal Road,’ was Invented. KCET. 4 January 2013. Web. 3 March 2015. <http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/history/la-as-subject/el-camino-real.html>
4. McMurtrie, William B. “View of San Francisco Taken from Telegraph Hill”. Illustration. California State Library. Web. 3 March 2015. <http://www.library.ca.gov/goldrush/images/goldrush_pic/II_img10.jpg>
5. Moore, E.S. “Bird’s Eye View of Azusa, Los Angeles Co. Cal.,1887”. Illustration. Library of Congress. Web. 24 February 2015. <http://www.loc.gov/>.
6. Taylor, Bayard. San Francisco in November 1848. Illustration. El Dorado: pg.10. Web. 3 March 2015
7."Earthquake and Fire-San Francisco in Ruins." Call-chronicle-examiner [San Francisco] 19 Apr. 1906, Library of Congress. Web. 24. February 2015.
8. “Valencias Albion Brand”. Illustration. Placentia Mutual Orange ASSN. 1920. The Labelman. Web. 3 March 2015 <http://www.thelabelman.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=646&osCsid=85a6b587915f0fd061d3370647b8d9dd>