Welcome to LAMOG!

The LA River is a river that most residents either don’t know about or think is man-made.  Its history is tragic and eye opening. Buildings were destroyed and lives were lost during the flood of 1938, but not everything was bad about the past of the LA river. It was once a beautiful lush river, with a diverse ecosystem. It also had many different native tribes living along its banks. Some tribes like the Tongva, Tataviam, and Chumash lived around the river and depended on it to survive. In a matter of years, it went from being a normal river to a polluted concrete channel.  There is a long and complicated history behind the river. Some nonprofits like Friends of the LA River are even trying to revert the river to its natural state. Others want to make parks and clean the water to make the river look nice, while keeping the flood control features of the concrete.  We hope you leave this exhibit interested in the LA river and learn about the exciting history behind it.

VISIT THE EXHIBIT SECTIONS

​1. Natural History and Geology
2. Native Peoples
3. Zanjas
4. Growth and Colonialism
5. Early Flooding
6. The 1938 Flood
7. Channelization
8. Environmental Effects
9. Birth of a Movement
10. The Master Plan 
11. Gentrification
12. River Catz and Graffiti
13. Global Connections
14. Conclusion and Getting Involved
15. Timeline