Downey, Los Angeles County, California, USA

Downey is a city in Los Angeles County, California, southeast of central Los Angeles. Its development began in the 1870s as ranch lands were subdivided and the Southern Pacific Railroad connected local agricultural businesses. Aircraft production expanded during World War II, and the city later played a role in the Apollo and space shuttle programs. Downey incorporated in 1956 as postwar housing growth transformed agricultural land into suburban neighborhoods. The city lies near interstates 5, 105, 605 and 710, which connect it with communities and employment centers across the Los Angeles region.