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Downey, California

Located in Los Angeles County, California, Downey was established in 1873. Oldest surviving McDonald's is in Downey (1953). Apollo spacecraft built here.
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Founded 1873 | Population 107,323 | Peak 107,323 (2024) | County Los Angeles County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Downey, California

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1873 Founded: Downey was founded in Los Angeles County.
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1953 Apollo Spacecraft: North American Aviation builds Apollo.
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1953 Oldest McDonald's: Oldest surviving McDonald's.
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1962 Carpenters Hometown: Richard and Karen grow up here.
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2010 Modern Era: Downey continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Downey

Mar 9, 2026
Scrutiny Intensifies on California Governor’s Wife’s Nonprofit: High Pay and Donor Ties Raise Ethical Questions
In the glittering world of California politics, where public service often intersects with personal ambition and philanthropy, a f…
Mar 8, 2026
NYPD Confirms Viable IED at Mayor Mamdani Protests
New York City faces a grave security threat after the NYPD confirmed that a device thrown near protests at Mayor Mamdani’s r…
Mar 8, 2026
Could $8 Gas Be Coming to California Soon?
Gas prices in Southern California continue their relentless climb, with a stark warning from an expert suggesting that drivers mig…
Mar 6, 2026
Suspect Detained After Broad-Daylight Attack in SF
The recent surveillance footage from San Francisco’s Chinatown has exposed a harrowing incident of violence, where a stabbin…
Mar 6, 2026
Washington Passes Bill for Noncitizens in Law Enforcement
Washington state has enacted a new law that opens the door for noncitizens to join the ranks of law enforcement and prosecution, m…
Mar 5, 2026
Oregon Democrats Block ICE Notification for Felony Convicts
Oregon Democratic senators have unanimously blocked a bill that would have mandated state authorities to notify U.S. Immigration a…

Complete Historical Timeline

1873 Culture
Founded
1953 Science
Apollo Spacecraft
1953 Culture
Oldest McDonald's
1962 Culture
Carpenters Hometown
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Oldest surviving McDonald's is in Downey (1953).
2
Apollo spacecraft built here.
3
Carpenters grew up in Downey.
4
Downey is located in Los Angeles County, California.
5
Downey was founded in 1873.

Famous People from Downey, California

"Y
"Weird Al" Yankovic
Actor, Comedian · Born Oct 23, 1959 · Age 66
JH
James Hetfield
Composer, Singer · Born Aug 3, 1963 · Age 62
AT
Aimee Teegarden
Actor, Television Actor · Born Oct 10, 1989 · Age 36
AU
Alanna Ubach
Singer, Voice Actor · Born Oct 3, 1975 · Age 50
WR
Wayne Rainey
Motorcycle Racer, Motorcyclist · Born Oct 23, 1960 · Age 65

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