Compton, California

Compton is a city located in southern Los Angeles County, California, USA. It is often considered to be the heart of the South Los Angeles area, formerly known as a part of South Central Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 93,493. The city has at times been notorious for gang violence, a reputation perhaps exaggerated by the rise to prominence of local gangsta rap group NWA during the 1980s (see Straight Outta Compton). Currently the most feared and biggest gangs from Compton are the Latino gangs, Compton Varrio Tortilla Flats, Compton Varrio 70's, Compton Varrio Largo 36 and Compton Varrio Alondra.

History

In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded a tract of over 75,000 acres (304 km²) to Juan Jose Dominguez in this area. The tract was named Rancho San Pedro. Dominguez's name was later applied to the Dominguez Hills community south of Compton.

Related Topics:
1784 - Spanish - Dominguez Hills

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In 1867, Griffith D. Compton (1820–1905) led a group of settlers to the area in search of the mild Californian climate. The city was incorporated on May 11, 1888 and was named for Griffith D. Compton in commemoration.

Related Topics:
1867 - 1820 - 1905 - May 11 - 1888

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Compton grew quickly in the mid-1900s. After the 1992 riots in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, many blacks left the region. Meanwhile, many Latino families moved in to Compton. Today, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in the city, although many people still think of Compton as a primarily "black" community.

Related Topics:
1900s - 1992 - Los Angeles metropolitan area - Latino

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