California Admission Day: Reflecting on Growth in Culver City and Los Angeles County
Every September 9, California pauses to mark Admission Day. It was the moment in 1850 when the state officially joined the Union. California became the 31st star on the flag. It was a turning point for the communities that would later define its character. Statehood gave California the foundation to grow into the place we know today. It’s a land of constant reinvention, fueled by opportunity and change.
Nowhere is that story more vivid than in Los Angeles County and Culver City. These communities have shifted from native homelands and ranchos to global powerhouses in film, aerospace, technology, and the arts. If California is defined by transformation, Culver City and LA County are the living proof.
From Statehood to a Modern Metropolis
When California became a state, it was still very much the frontier. Fewer than 200,000 people lived here. Most were in Northern California where the Gold Rush was already reshaping the land. Southern California, by contrast, mostly remained quiet ranch land. It was dotted with indigenous villages and Spanish missions.
For Los Angeles County, the real accelerators of growth came later. Oil discoveries in the late 19th century brought economic promise. Railroads opened new channels for trade and settlement. These connected remote Southern California to the rest of the country. With these changes came waves of migrants seeking farmland, jobs, and new lives. By the early 1900s, Los Angeles was on its way to becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in America.
The Rise of Culver City: A Microcosm of California’s Progress
Early Roots
Before Culver City became a modern hub of entertainment and innovation, it was the homeland of the Tongva people. They lived in the Los Angeles Basin for thousands of years. Later, Spanish colonization divided much of the land into large ranchos. These included Rancho La Ballona. It covered the area that would become Culver City. These early land grants laid the groundwork for future development. However, they also reflected the displacement of native communities.
In 1917, Harry Culver founded Culver City. He was a real estate developer with an ambitious vision. His timing was impeccable. Rail lines and roadways were expanding, and Culver promoted his city as “All Roads Lead to Culver City.” The location was ideal. It was nestled between downtown Los Angeles and the growing beach communities. Like so much of California, the city was shaped by infrastructure. New roads and rails often created new opportunities.
Entertainment and Innovation
Culver City quickly became known as the “Heart of Screenland.” By the 1920s, it was home to major studios like MGM. Classics such as The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind were filmed here. The city’s identity became deeply intertwined with the magic of Hollywood.
After World War II, Culver City expanded its role again, this time in aerospace and defense. Companies tied to aviation brought jobs, technology, and momentum. That spirit of reinvention still drives the city today. The arrival of companies like Apple, Amazon Studios, and HBO has transformed it. Culver City has become a new center for digital media and technology. This has also revitalized its downtown and shows a commitment to cultural life, dining, and the arts.
In many ways, Culver City’s story is California’s story. It’s a community constantly evolving while balancing its past with its future.
Los Angeles County: From Farmland to Global Hub
Los Angeles County’s growth has been staggering. To reiterate an earlier point…. In 1900, only about 170,000 people lived there. Now, nearly 10 million people call it home. It’s the most populous county in the United States. This growth has been powered by several forces that mirror California’s broader rise:
- Industry: Hollywood established Los Angeles as the world’s entertainment capital. Meanwhile, aerospace engineering during WWII and the postwar years brought tens of thousands of jobs, shaping the economy for decades.
- Diversity: People from across the globe migrated to Southern California, building one of the most diverse regions in the world. Los Angeles became a gateway for immigrants and a place where cultures converged to create something uniquely Californian.
- Infrastructure: The development of harbors, freeways, and public transit systems turned Los Angeles into a major center for global trade and commerce. The Port of Los Angeles, for example, is now one of the busiest in the world.
The combination of industry, diversity, and infrastructure made Los Angeles County not just a regional powerhouse, but a global one as well.
Culver City and LA County Today: Symbols of California’s Promise
Today, Culver City is thriving as both a historic landmark and a forward-looking community. It’s attractive to both families and businesses. There’s a walkable downtown, public art programs, and an emphasis on education. Yet, it remains firmly connected to its legacy as a creative hub. Production studios and media giants drive most of its modern economy.
Los Angeles County, meanwhile, continues to wrestle with the opportunities and challenges of growth. There are pressing issues like demand for housing, rising costs, and environmental concerns. But, the county’s resilience lies in its ability to adapt. From clean energy to digital media, Los Angeles is once again reinventing itself for the future.
Reflecting on Admission Day in 2025
California Admission Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of how far the state has come, plus how its communities continue to shape its story. For Culver City and Los Angeles County, that story is one of growth, creativity, and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Admission Day and Culver City’s Growth
Q: What is California Admission Day and why is it important? California Admission Day is celebrated each year on September 9. It marks the state’s entry into the Union in 1850 as the 31st state. It’s significant because it’s the start of California’s journey from a frontier territory to one of the most powerful economies in the world. For communities like Los Angeles County and Culver City, statehood opened the door to development. It shaped their future.
Q: How does Culver City reflect California’s growth since statehood? Culver City is a microcosm of California’s story. Originally Tongva land, and later part of Rancho La Ballona, it officially became a city in 1917. Its rapid transformation into a film capital in the 1920s and later into a hub for aerospace and technology mirrors the broader state’s ability to constantly reinvent itself. Today, major companies like Amazon Studios and Apple expanded into the city. Culver City shows how California continues to blend history, innovation, and cultural diversity.
Q: How has Los Angeles County changed since California became a state? In 1850, Los Angeles County was mostly farmland and ranchland with a very small population. Today, it’s home to nearly 10 million people. This makes it the most populous county in the nation. The county grew through industries like Hollywood filmmaking, aerospace engineering, and international trade. Its cultural diversity also makes it one of the most vibrant regions in the world, representing the promise and challenges of California as a whole.
Q: Why is Culver City’s location significant in California’s history? Culver City was built along key transportation routes in the early 20th century. This made it attractive for development. Its location between downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast positioned it at the crossroads of Southern California growth. That strategic location continues to matter today. Culver City serves as a bridge between LA’s historic film industry, the booming Silicon Beach tech corridor, and the city’s cultural heart.