El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Museums

Visit Los Angeles History in Comfort and Style

I.T.S. can take you back to Old California, in the days of Spanish rule when the oldest structure still standing in Los Angeles was built.  You can literally see the progression as the 'city of the angels' became more populous and California became a state, the first fire house built in Los Angeles stands here still.  The birth of the commercial district, the long and storied history of water in Los Angeles, and a tribute to the impressive woman who cared so much and was vital in the preservation of Avila Adobe and the revitalization of Olvera Street's authentic Mexican Market.   In the heart of Los Angeles these five historical museums and exhibits draw crowds from all over, year round.  Let I.T.S. carry you and your party in ease and comfort to the heart of Los Angeles, whether as part of a Los Angeles City Tour or as an I.T.S. museum excursion.

Avila Adobe (1818)

Los Angeles oldest building, was constructed in 1818 by Don Avila, a wealthy ranchero.  During the Mexican-American war in 1847, it became Commodore Robert Stockton's military headquarters.  In 1926, the efforts of Christine Sterling saved the Avila Adobe from demolition and today it appears as it would have in the 1840's and now houses an outstanding Los Angeles museum.

Plaza Firehouse (1884)

Engine Company Number 1 lived in this, the first fire house in Los Angeles.  An all volunteer crew shared quarters with a horse cart and three horses here.  In 1892 the firehouse moved and the structure was put to a number of different uses from rooming house to drug store.  In 1953 the property became part of the Pueblo, and in 1960 a first rate L.A. museum focusing on fire fighting equipment, maps and photographs opened.

Sepulveda House (1887)

Sepulveda is a storied name across the south land, and Senora Eloisa Martinez de Sepulveda built this Eastlake Victorian style mansion.  It was designed for mixed use from the start, with over 20 rooms it housed two commercial enterprises, and three residences.  Now restored to its former splendor, Sepulveda House holds the Visitors Center and shows a short film giving the context and history of El Pueblo de Los Angeles.

History of Water in Los Angeles (1984)

From the 'mother ditch' or Zanja Madre, opened within a month of the Pueblos founding, through to the Los Angeles Aqueduct developed by William Mulholland in the early twentieth century, the history of water in Los Angeles is a torrid tale of geography, geology and politics, told here since 1984. 

 The Tribute to Christine Sterling

Without this amazing lady, most of what we enjoy of the flavor, sights and sounds of early Los Angeles would be lost.  This exhibit illustrates her successful effort to preserve Avila Adobe from demolition in 1926 and to rejuvenate Olvera Street's famed authentic Mexican Market in 1930 and part of the many choices for your Los Angeles tour as you travel and discover the many facets of Los Angeles history.

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