Straight Outta Compton! Hoodie

Compton’s early settlers faced severe hardship as they tilled the earth to scratch out a meager existence. The weather was cold and wet, and fuel was scarce. Gathering firewood required a three day-trip to the mountains near Pasadena. Also, in the early years there were only two general stores in the area: one in the pueblo of Los Angeles, the other in Wilmington. Both were miles away and required a lengthy trek either by foot or horseback. Despite hardships, by the end of 1868 the settlers began to look to the future. They built a schoolhouse, which also served as a church and a center for civic gatherings. The settlement became known as Compton in 1869. Originally named Gibsonville, after one of the tract owners, it was later called Comptonville. However, to avoid confusion with the Comptonville located in Yuba County, the name was shortened to Compton.