Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Placita de Dolores Time Capsule

1979–2079

— El Grito (The Cry) Mural —

Placita de Dolores Time Capsule Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, December 4, 2018

1. Placita de Dolores Time Capsule Marker

Inscription. On May 5, 1979, the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, participated in the dedication of this Placita de Dolores. The following is a memorable excerpt from his remarks:

“... Freedom is never permanently ours, despite the noble sacrifices of past generations. We must daily re-win the fight against injustice and prejudice and ignorance, and against those in power who believe they know better than the people what is best. ...”

Erected 1979.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Hispanic Americans • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Time Capsules series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1979.

Location. 34° 3.419′ N, 118° 14.256′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. It can be reached from the intersection of North Alameda Street and Los Angeles Street, on the right when traveling south. Across the street from Union Station, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Los Angeles CA 90012, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Plaza Substation (a few steps from this marker); Antonio Aguilar (within shouting distance of this marker); Avila Adobe (within

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shouting distance of this marker); The Indians of Southern California (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Avila Adobe (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Damien Marchessault (within shouting distance of this marker); Biscailuz Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bell of Dolores (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. El Grito: The Cry for Freedom. Multipage images of the mural and interpretive text. The page includes photos and a video of the artist creating the tiles for the mural. “The mural commemorates the instigating call, el grito, made in 1810, by Father Hildalgo.” ... “Carillo invited a team of interested students to help with all phases of the firing and installation process. By aprenticing, the students gained valuable experience in the art of large-scale mural design and construction of a permanent public art piece.” (Submitted on December 8, 2020.)

2. “El Grito” Mural (1979) – Remembering L.A.’s Historic Mexican Roots

Placita de Dolores Time Capsule Marker and the “El Grito” Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, December 4, 2018

2. Placita de Dolores Time Capsule Marker and the “El Grito” Mural

. 2018 article by Carlos Parra, U.S.-Mexican, Latino and Border Historian. Profusely illustrated.

Each year Mexican people celebrate the 16th of September in commemoration of the 1810 start of what became the Mexican independence movement. The colorful patriotic festival is celebrated not only within Mexican national boundaries, but also on the other side of its northern border wherever great concentrations of Mexican communities are found. In Los Angeles, California the demographic and cultural strength of the Mexican community – the second largest in the world after Mexico City – makes celebrating the annual “fiestas patrias” an indispensable local tradition. A colorful ceramic mural located in the historic heart of L.A. titled El Grito (“The Cry”) celebrates Mexico’s independence and as well as the heritage of the city’s vibrant Mexican American community. ...

(Submitted on December 8, 2020.)

“El Grito: The Cry for Freedom image. Click for full size.

1979 mural by Eduardo Carillo. Photographed by J.J. Prats, December 4, 2018

3. “El Grito: The Cry for Freedom

1979 ceramic tile mural by Eduardo Carillo at the Placita de Dolores, Los Angeles, California. It is made up of 300 one-foot-square hand-made ceramic tiles and is approximately 8 feet high by 44 feet wide.

“El Grito: The Cry for Freedom" Left Panel Detail image. Click for full size.

1979 mural by Eduardo Carillo. Photographed by J.J. Prats, December 4, 2018

4. “El Grito: The Cry for Freedom" Left Panel Detail

Captain Ignacio Allende is depicted riding the blue horse, next to Ignacio Perez on the brown horse, riding out of town to carry the Cry for Freedom to the rest of the country. Behind the horses holding the rifle is Jose Maria Morelos, the leader of the revolt. A soldier bears the flag of the revolution, a skull and crossbones.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 940 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.