The Chinese of Los Angeles initially lived along Negro Alley next to the Plaza. A fire in 1870 caused many to relocate to an area of old vineyards next to the Los Angeles River a short distance away. An influx of Chinese into the area resulted in Los Angeles Old Chinatown. Its geographic center was Apablasa Street and Alameda Street (photo above). Subsequent growth saw the Chinese population increase to about 2,000 individuals by 1900 with the area occasionally called Chinese Quarter. It became a town within Los Angeles. It offered its Chinese residents employment opportunities and services such as a Chinese language telephone system and newspaper, medical care and recreational activities among others. By 1936, the Chinese were dispersed when the community was obliterated to make way for today's Union Station Passenger Terminal.