Detail showing the site of Campo de Cahuenga and the entrance to Universal Studios. (click on images to enlarge)
This photograph, and another taken at a slightly different angle, are a gift to The Museum from our Board Secretary Gary Fredburg. I have enlarged a section of the photo to show the approximate location of Campo de Cahuenga. The pictures were taken in 1969 and are labeled "LA 823"Where Lankershim Boulevard now passes between the Campo and Universal Studios is of immense historical importance. Here members of the ancient Tonga Tribe camped for countless years, taking advantage of the dense reeds growing along the Los Angeles River. The reeds provided the Tongva with long plant tubes, that acted as simple air mattresses and insulated walls for their huts (warm in the winter, cool in the summer). The reeds also hid Native American hunters, allowing them to creep close to ducks and other water fowl, and as vantage places for fishing.
A natural ford allowed almost year-round crossings of the River at the entrance to Cahuenga Pass. Later Lankershim Boulevard, once called San Fernando Road, passed this location on its way to the Mission of San Fernando Rey de Espana. From the site of Campo de Cahuenga, travelers made their way onto El Camino Real (east and west). Butterfield Stage coaches stopped here, and the last struggle between the United States and the Californiano Rancheros happened at this very site.
Campo de Caheunga, protected by The Friends of Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association and Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is a treasure belonging to the residents of Los Angeles and all of the people of the United States.
Join Gary Fredburg, and The Museum Community of the San Fernando Valley as we work to preserve, protect and display our amazing history. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 and ask how you can get involved.
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