The opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Aqueduct on November 13, 1913, was joyful and triumphant. William Mulholland's aqueduct was coming, and water would fuel the growth of Los Angeles beyond anyone's greatest hopes. Speeches were given, but the most noteworthy one came just before the water poured out. Mulholland spoke on what he believed the aqueduct could do, and ended with his legendary line, "There it is, take it!” At dawn, water gushed from the aqueduct in a cascade, and people cheered. A toddler was given the first sip of the water to symbolize the beginning of a new era in which the next generation of Los Angeles residents would watch their city become one of the largest in the world.
The parking lot on the day of the aqueduct's grand opening.
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Mulholland standing at a podium at the ceremony for the grand opening of the aqueduct. 
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The opening ceremony of the LA aqueduct as water flows through.
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