There are lots of ways to divide property. Sometimes a small creek serves as a natural dividing line. A fence can do the job, too. Bill Robertson at L.A.'s Bureau of Street Services says when the old San Fernando Mission lands were divided in 1869, a tractor and a plow made the line.

"There was a furrow cut along the Valley floor that stretched all across the Valley. And that was the dividing line between the ranches of Lankershim and De Celis. That furrow is now called Roscoe Boulevard. That was the dividing line for the valley."

Agriculture was king in the Valley until the 20th century when growing suburbs became more profitable than growing wheat.

(Airdate: 11/15/2008)