COMPTON

city, Los Angeles county, southwestern California, U.S. The tract was originally part of the Rancho San Pedro, a 1784 Spanish land grant. Founded as a Methodist colony in 1867 and named for G.D. Compton, a pioneer settler, it developed as a farming village and was incorporated in 1888. Following an earthquake (March 10, 1933), which severely damaged the business district, the city was extensively modernized. It is now a residential suburb and market centre, surrounded by diversified industries. Compton Community College was established in 1927. Pop. (1992 est.) 93,818.