The Los Angeles River has been around for thousands of years and has played a big role in shaping the city. Here's a brief look at its history:

Early Days

A long time ago, Native American tribes like the Tongva and Chumash lived along the river.  They used it for fishing, growing food and getting around.  In 1781, Spanish settlers arrived and built a town near the river called Los Angeles.

Farming and Growth

In the 1800s, people started using the river to water their crops.  This helped Los Angeles grow into a big farming city. A s the city got bigger, people needed more water.  So, they built a special pipe called the Los Angeles Aqueduct to bring in water from far away.

Controlling Floods

Sometimes, the river would overflow and cause big floods.  To stop this from happening, the government lined the river with concrete and built walls to keep the water in.  This helped keep people safe, but it also hurt the environment and made the river look less natural.

Making the River Better

Today, people are working to make the river healthier and more beautiful.  They're building parks, trails and green spaces along the river.  They're also trying to protect the plants and animals that live there.

The Los Angeles River's story is an important part of the city's history. By learning about it, we can appreciate how the river has helped shape Los Angeles and why it's worth protecting.