Known to be a “working-class” city with a very young median age, Compton is a busy, vibrant city in Los Angeles County, California. As it is located in the central part of the south region of the county, Compton is considered to be a hub of activity, with easy access to many of the big cities within Los Angeles County.
As Compton was founded in the late 1800s, it is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles County. Of course, this area has a much longer history, from before the city was incorporated. Native Americans lived in this area, and when Spain took the land from them in the middle of the 1700s, life here would never be the same. Juan Jose Dominguez took this land for Spain, and the name “Dominguez” can be found throughout Compton to this day, including one particular neighborhood that is called Dominguez Hills. After the Mexican-American War in the middle of the 1800s, the land was divided up into smaller parcels and sold to United States citizens who were searching for pieces of land here in southern California to find their fortune. Compton is actually named after a pioneer that lead a group of settlers to his area.
In the early 1900s, Compton primarily consisted of farmland, and with many African American families fleeing the South and the racial conflict there, these farms attracted these migrant families. Many African American families found work here in Compton and decided to stay here to raise their children, as they found steady work and safety here in southern California. Most of Compton’s growth came during the middle of the 1950s, and it was due in part to Compton’s close proximity to Watts, another primarily African-American community. During this time period and the decades that followed, Compton was considered a very desirable place to live, especially for middle-class African American families seeking opportunities in Los Angeles County. In the late 1900s and early 2000s, the demographic has shifted a bit in Compton, as more and more Latin-American families have moved to Compton.
There are many historical landmarks to see while visiting Compton. The “Heritage House” is an old home built in the late 1800s, restored and preserved for visitors to enjoy today. A memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is located in the Civic Center in Compton. Several historic cemeteries are located throughout Compton, and are open to visitors. Other than these historic sites, Compton is also home to a Major League Baseball Academy, which serves local Los Angeles County kids who are interested in baseball and softball, providing a great way for youth members of the community to stay busy and get involved.
Compton Unified School District provides a number of public elementary schools, public middle schools, and public high schools for residents to attend. Several private schools and charter schools are also available. Because of Compton’s ideal location in Los Angeles County, residents have access to many extra-curricular educational opportunities. For students who need a little extra guidance and help with their studies, local Compton tutors are available. These local tutors can meet with each student one-on-one and help them achieve their educational goals.