Watts, Los Angeles

Watts, Los Angeles
Name	Watts
Settlement type	Neighborhood of Los Angeles
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Los Angeles County
Subdivision type3	City
Subdivision name3	Los Angeles

Watts, Los Angeles is a historic neighborhood located in the South Los Angeles region of the city. It is internationally recognized for the iconic Watts Towers art installation and as a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1965 uprising. The area is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by significant demographic shifts and ongoing socio-economic challenges.

History

The area was originally part of the Rancho La Tajuata, a Mexican land grant in Alta California. Development accelerated after the 1904 arrival of the Pacific Electric Railway, which established a station named for Charles H. Watts, a local Pasadena real estate developer. The community was annexed by the City of Los Angeles in 1926. Following World War II, Watts became a major destination for African Americans during the Second Great Migration, leading to rapid demographic change and the establishment of a thriving Central Avenue-adjacent cultural scene. The Watts Riots of 1965, a six-day period of civil unrest, brought national attention to issues of police brutality, unemployment, and housing discrimination. Later events, including the 1992 Los Angeles riots, further impacted the community. Historical institutions like the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, founded by Ted Watkins, have been central to local advocacy.

Geography

Watts is situated approximately ten miles south of Downtown Los Angeles, bordered by the neighborhoods of Florence-Graham to the west, Willowbrook to the south, and Green Meadows to the east. Its northern boundary is roughly defined by the Century Boulevard corridor. The area is part of the larger Los Angeles Basin and is characterized by a flat topography. Major thoroughfares include Central Avenue, 103rd Street, and Imperial Highway. The Los Angeles River, largely channelized, runs along its western edge.

Demographics

Watts has historically been a predominantly African American community, but in recent decades has seen a significant increase in Latino residents, primarily of Mexican American and Central American descent. This shift reflects broader demographic trends across South Los Angeles. The population is notably young, with a high percentage of residents under the age of 18. According to data from the United States Census Bureau and the Los Angeles Times Mapping L.A. project, the area continues to have some of the highest rates of poverty in Los Angeles County.

Economy

The local economy has long been challenged by a lack of major employers and investment. Key retail and service hubs are concentrated along corridors like 103rd Street and Central Avenue. The Watts Station center and the ongoing efforts of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee aim to stimulate economic development. Historically, employment was linked to the Southern Pacific railroad and nearby industrial areas. The community has a high number of small, family-owned businesses, and issues of food access have been addressed in part by initiatives like the Watts Farmers Market.

Culture and landmarks

Watts is globally famous for the Watts Towers (Nuestro Pueblo), a series of 17 interconnected sculptural towers built by Simon Rodia, which are now a UNESCO-associated site and a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. The Watts Towers Arts Center and the adjacent Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center are vital cultural institutions. The neighborhood has a storied musical heritage, having produced or influenced legendary artists such as Charles Mingus, T-Bone Walker, and The Watts Prophets. The annual Watts Summer Festival commemorates the community's history and resilience. Other notable sites include the Jordan Downs housing development and the historic Watts Station building.

Government and infrastructure

Watts is represented within the Los Angeles City Council by the 15th District and in the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors by the Second District. The Los Angeles Police Department serves the area through the Southeast Division. Public education is provided by the Los Angeles Unified School District, with schools including David Starr Jordan High School and Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy. The community is served by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's A Line light rail, with stations at 103rd Street/Watts Towers and Willowbrook/Rosa Parks. Major healthcare providers include the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in nearby Willowbrook.

Category:Neighborhoods in Los Angeles Category:Populated places in Los Angeles County, California