6th & Olive, Downtown, LA, 1963

1939, Looking Across the Congested Intersection of 6th and Olive Streets, Showing Pershing Square, Los Angeles (1939)

In 1939, the intersection of 6th and Olive Streets near Pershing Square was one of the busiest parts of downtown Los Angeles. Trolleys, buses, and classic 1930s sedans competed for space in the crowded streets, while pedestrians hurried across crosswalks. Pershing Square, a key public space in the heart of downtown, provided a place for relaxation, protests, and public gatherings. Lined by hotels, banks, and department stores, this intersection was a hub of commerce and daily life in LA. The congestion at 6th and Olive illustrated the growing pressures of urbanization and the city's rapid economic development.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.

1963, 6th Street & Olive St., looking east toward Spring St. in Downtown Los Angeles (1963).

In 1963, looking east along 6th Street from Olive Street showcased downtown Los Angeles as a bustling business district. Mid-century office buildings and older brick structures lined the street, reflecting the city’s layered architectural history. Buses and sedans filled the road, and pedestrians moved between retail shops and corporate offices. This view captured a dynamic downtown where commerce and daily life intersected in the heart of Los Angeles.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.