
On August 7, 1851, Los Angeles County was divided into six Townships. Los Angeles, San
Gabriel, San Jose, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, and San Juan Capistrano. With the breakup of
the Mexican ranchos due to the lands being divided among heirs and subsequent subdividing, in
later years, more townships were formed, often retaining the names of the rancho. For example,
San Antonio Rancho, along with another rancho, became the San Antonio Township.
A charter which more strongly centralized county government authority in the Board of
Supervisors became effective on June 20, 1913. The charter provided that offices of the county
should be appointed under civil service regulations Prior to this charter the office of township
constable had been an elected office in that township. A division of county government was
created, which consisted of the Sheriff and all constables of the county, and was to be known as
the County Constabulary. Each constable was made subject to the orders and directions of the
Sheriff.




















Venice Township
Very old Catalina
Township badge.
This badge may be
from Los Angeles Co.
San Antonio Township
which was near
downtown Los Angeles.
Handmade by a jeweler.
Inscribed on back: "From
your friends" 1908
August 7, 1851, Los Angeles County was divided into six townships.
Los Angeles, San Gabriel, San Jose, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, and
April 1853, San Bernardino County was formed out of Los Angeles
County.
April 2, 1866, Kern County was formed out of Los Angeles County.
1886, Pasadena was incorporated.
1888, Long Beach was incorporated.
1890 Orange County was formed out of Los Angeles County.
1910, Town of Hollywood was annexed by Los Angeles.
July 8, 1911, Burbank was incorporated.
Azusa Township badge and reverse showing hallmark.
I.D. Cart for Constable. No date.
Rare Catalina Township badge.
Catalina is a private island, owned
by the Wrigley Co. approx. 26
miles off the coast of Southern
California.