Skip to main content

William D. Estrada: Chinese Laborers, Old Chinatown and the Produce Industry

Support Provided By

William D. Estrada is a 20th century historian for a 21st century Los Angeles. Curator of California and American History and Chair of the History Department for the Natural History Museum, Dr. Estrada has become a key biographer of Los Angeles' early beginnings. Estrada's influential book, The Los Angeles Plaza, uncovers the city's multi-ethnic roots from indigenous and colonial times to present-day Los Angeles, weaving together a common narrative based on personal stories, news clipping and diaries about the heart of Los Angeles. His insights about Chinese laborers, Old Chinatown and the produce industry challenge many preconceptions about the role of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles.

William Estrada - Chair of the History Department For Nam - History and Los Angeles

History & Los Angeles
"William D. Estrada shares his knowledge about the history of L.A. and its relation to historic preservation."

William Estrada - Chinese Migration Gold and Railroads

Chinese Migration, Gold & Railroads
"William D. Estrada breaks down the demographics of the men who were responsible for building the early Railroads."

William Estrada - Chair of the History Department For Nam - On Discrimination

On Discrimination
"William D. Estrada describes the Exclusion Act as being one of the first discriminatory laws in the U.S targeting a particular ethnic group."

William Estrada - The Story of Old Chinatown and Union Station

The Story of Old Chinatown & Union Station
"William D. Estrada sheds light on the growth and changes that occurred throughout Old and New Chinatown."

Support Provided By
Read More
Ed Fuentes, artwork Colette Miller (preview)

In Remembrance of Arts Journalist and Advocate Ed Fuentes

Collaborator and friend James Daichendt remembers Ed Fuentes, a longtime advocate of the arts, who passed away this week.
mount_baldy_photo_by_daniel_medina

The San Gabriels: The Remarkable History of L.A.'s Threatened National Monument

An exploration of the rich history and culture of the San Gabriel Mountains and its eponymous river.
Boyle Heights Street Vending. Credits: Feng Yuan

Is Los Angeles Finally Legalizing Street Vending?

Trend-setting entrepreneurs versus “illegal” street vendors is a confusing dichotomy that has become the center of many conversations.