Before the harbor
The region is the ancestral homeland of Tongva people, whose relationship with the coast predates the modern port by generations.
A port shaped by people
The history of San Pedro
San Pedro’s story reaches from the Tongva homeland and Rancho San Pedro to fishing fleets, shipyards and today’s global port.
A harbor takes shape
After a long regional campaign, federal harbor improvements began in the late 1800s. Point Fermin Lighthouse, first lit in 1874, guided growing marine traffic.
Fishing, canneries and shipbuilding
Immigrant fishing communities built a powerful waterfront culture. Tuna canneries and wartime shipyards made San Pedro an industrial center.
A global gateway
Today the Port of Los Angeles is among the world’s busiest container ports, while museums, artists and longtime neighborhoods preserve local memory.
Keep exploring
Support the places that give San Pedro its character.
Watch the history
Two films about our harbor town
Both play right here — no need to leave the page.
The Port of Los Angeles: from mudflats to modern port (1542–1920)
Source: Port of Los Angeles. Video remains the creator’s property.
History of the Vincent Thomas Bridge
Source: Robert Schwemmer. Video remains the creator’s property.