Ever wondered why Sylmar is called the Top of Los Angeles? It’s because this vibrant neighborhood sits proudly at the northernmost point of the city. Sylmar’s story begins long before its official naming in 1893. Long before the Spanish arrived the Shoshone people thrived here. They built their homes in the area and lived off the land. The San Fernando Mission founded in 1797 played a significant role in Sylmar’s early history. A mission father planted olive seedlings. These trees would later become the defining feature of Sylmar’s landscape.
By the late 1890s olive production boomed. The Los Angeles Olive Growers Association transformed the foothills. They planted thousands of olive trees creating the largest olive grove in the world by 1906. Imagine a sea of olive trees stretching as far as the eye could see. Hundreds of workers including many Japanese immigrants toiled during the harvest season. They lived in temporary tent villages a testament to the scale of the operation. The Sylmar Packing plant employed hundreds more during its peak season.
The growth of Sylmar wasn’t without its challenges. The 1971 San Fernando earthquake caused widespread destruction. Two weeks later the New York Times described it as a battlefield. Homes were damaged or destroyed. Families lived in tents. There was no water gas or heat. Four months later a methane gas explosion during the construction of a water tunnel claimed seventeen lives. This was the worst tunnelling disaster in California history. It led to stricter safety regulations.
Despite these setbacks Sylmar continued to grow. The completion of several freeways in the 1980s made the area more accessible. This led to a population boom. The population increased by over 30% between 1980 and 1990. However growth wasn’t always welcome. Residents fought against plans for denser housing. They wanted to preserve Sylmar’s rural character.
Even today Sylmar retains some of its small-town feel. Yet it’s a diverse community. It is home to the Nethercutt Collection a museum showcasing classic cars and musical instruments. The Cascades a spillway marking the end of the Los Angeles Aqueduct is another remarkable landmark. It’s a visible testament to human ingenuity and its impact on the landscape. The Sylmar story is one of resilience growth and a unique blend of nature and urban development. A truly captivating neighborhood in the heart of Los Angeles.