Oil, The Big Boom, and Huntington’s Real Estate Empire

Early Water Struggles

• California's original settlers established small-scale irrigation projects in their communities.

• Periodic droughts and population growth put a strain on local water supplies in the late 19th century.

The Owens Valley Conflict

• Early engineers envisioned bringing water from the Colorado River to parts of Southern California via aqueducts.

• William Hammond Hall, California's first civic engineer, proposed reforms to water law and argued that irrigation could support a much larger population.

• Fredrick Eaton became Los Angeles' water superintendent and began buying land in the Owens River Valley.

• Eaton later became mayor, with William Mulholland appointed as superintendent of the city's water company.

• In 1905, Eaton convinced Mulholland of the potential to divert the Owens River to Los Angeles.

• Los Angeles, under Mulholland and Eaton, acquired land and water rights in the Owens Valley, in some cases misrepresenting the project to local residents.

• Wealthy figures, including the owners of the LA Times, purchased land surrounding Los Angeles, anticipating its growth.

• Construction of the Owens River Aqueduct began in 1908.

Labor Struggles in Industrial America

• The late 19th century saw bitter struggles between workers and wealthy business owners.

• Major events included the Homestead Strike of 1892, the Pullman Strike of 1894, and the Haymarket Massacre of 1886 highlighting the push for better working conditions.

• The Ironworkers Union played a crucial role in industrial development across the United States.

• Anti-union sentiment was widespread, fueled by newspapers like the Los Angeles Times.

The LA Times Bombing

• Under the direction of Samuel Hockin, J.B. McNamara planted a bomb at the Los Angeles Times building in 1910 that detonated, killing 21 people and injuring over 100.

• The LA Time’s dubbed the attack the "crime of the century" and labor leaders swiftly condemned the bombing.

• Detective William J. Burns eventually apprehended J.B. McNamara, his brother J.J McNamara, and Ortie McManigal.

• The McNamara brothers ultimately confessed their guilt in a dramatic courtroom twist.

Legacy

• The Owens Valley conflict became a centerpiece of the "California Water Wars."

• The Owens Valley slowly transformed into a toxic dust bowl, sparking conflict between Los Angeles and local residents.

• The Los Angeles Times bombing underscored deep societal tensions surrounding the labor movement.

• Environmental battles and legal disputes over the Owens Valley aqueduct continue into the 21st century.