Aliso Tree — Los Angeles, rooted in history.
Before the LA riots; before the internment of Japanese-Americans and the massacre of Chinese-Americans; before Slavery; before this land was ever conquered by Spain, Mexico, or the U. S.; before the genocide of Native Americans… millennia after the first humans arrived on the scene, overkilling large mammals to extinction… by the river, within the community of Yang-Na, a sapling sprouted. The sycamore would grow to become a 400-year-old local landmark, called, "El Aliso." Here, a French cooper hybridized the mission grapevine with cuttings from Bordeaux, and together with the terroir, cultivated a vineyard which gave birth to California's wine industry. Indigenous villages and immigrant orchards prepared the ground for what followed: a German brewery; a boxing arena; a mule market; an Edison Electric power station; an artist colony; a gym for indoor rock-climbing; the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States… While the Aliso Tree is no longer standing, it continues to stand for Los Angeles, rooted in history.
"Baxter St. to the north, Hoover St. to the west, Lorena St. to the east, Jefferson to the south. Compare this map with... the same map printed four years later. Considerable development occurs during that period including additional public transportation lines. Printing process: lithography by Schmidt Label & Lith. Co., 21-31 Main St. S. F. and 15 Downey Block, Los Angeles, Cal. Copyright 1887."
"Vignes was a popular citizen in his time and lived in a house near the Los Angeles River with a fine old sycamore tree before it, of which he bragged as much as he did of his grape vines. The Spanish-American word for sycamore is aliso, and so he was nicknamed Don Luis del Aliso. The tree is long since swallowed up in the growth of the city..."
"These were the economic conditions that Jean Vignes faced during his early days in Los Angeles. His experience and background turned him away from any connection with the city’s only major business, cattle, and led him towards the vine. He was able to recognize the shortcomings of the local vineyards, and, at the same time, realize the possibilities that the area represented. The soil and climate, he knew, could support an industry and produce wines comparable to Europe’s best. He is quoted as declaring that the area was 'just the place to grow them [oranges and grape vines] to perfection.'"
Aliso Tree — Los Angeles, rooted in history. 