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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 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…
Mar 13, 2026
What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?
The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…
Mar 10, 2026
CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles
CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

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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