Like other areas along the Los Angeles River, present-day Lincoln Heights was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. In 1873 Lincoln Heights was subdivided, at which time it was considered to be “out in the county” by downtown residents. The area was initially settled as a streetcar suburb with horse-drawn trolleys crossing the North Broadway Bridge. In southwest Lincoln Heights, industry displaced housing as railroads, wineries, breweries, bakeries, and others took advantage of proximity to rail facilities.

Lincoln Heights neighborhood residents include folks from all parts of the world, including large Latino and Asian populations. The area has a strong sense of civic involvement through the participation of volunteers, community organizations, churches, schools, business groups, and others.

Though the trolleys are long gone, the Metro Gold Line light rail arrived in 2004. With new housing sprouting up around the station, and plans to revitalize the Los Angeles River and Arroyo Seco, there’s a great deal of interest in planning for a future that serves the needs of local residents and future generations.