Part 3/11:
The city’s trajectory shifted dramatically following the American conquest of California in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. The mid-19th century marked a pivotal period for LA’s evolution—transforming from a quiet settlement into a burgeoning city. The year 1867 saw the major sale of Bunker Hill, a prominent area in what would become downtown LA. Real estate developers purchased large portions of the hill with plans to erect 80 luxury homes, signaling the beginning of affluent development in the region.