Have you ever wondered why the City of Los Angeles is referred to as the City of Angels? It’s not just a whimsical nickname – there is in fact a fascinating story behind why Los Angeles earned such a memorable title.
From its roots in Mexican rule to a destination for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, there’s no shortage of interesting facets surrounding the iconic ‘City of Angels’ moniker. Let’s dive into the history and uncover exactly why Los Angeles goes by the unique name it’s known for today.
Why is Los Angeles Called the City of Angels?
Los Angeles is a cultural, financial, and commercial hub of the United States and is the second most populous city in the country.But, there is one thing that sets it apart from other cities in the US and even other cities around the world – Its nickname: The City of Angels. So, why is Los Angeles called The City of Angels?
History behind The Nickname
The origins of the nickname “The City of Angels” can be traced back to the late 18th Century, specifically 1781, when Spanish settlers established Los Angeles during a colonizing expedition.Fernando Rivera y Moncada, who was the commander of the expedition, named the settlement they established “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles. ” This name translates to “The Town of Our Lady The Queen of The Angels,” leading to the subsequent nickname. The name was picked to honor the patron saint of the expedition, the Virgin Mary.
The settlers wanted the blessing of their Queen of Heaven to protect them against imminent dangers, thus the name they chose was meant to represent that they were under the divine protection of their patron saint.
The Nickname Became Popular After The Hollywood Sign
Although the name was adopted during the colonizing expedition, the nickname itself didn’t become popular until the Hollywood Sign was constructed in 192The Hollywood Sign was originally erected as an advertisement for a housing development, but it was so iconic that it transcended its original intended purpose and became the ultimate symbol of L. A. and all of Hollywood.
The sign included the phrase “Hollywoodland” but the last four letters were removed in 1949, after which it became just the iconic “Hollywood” Sign. This sign further solidified the nickname of Los Angeles as The City of Angels and made it popular throughout the world.