[null and void]

Downey was incorporated in 1956, and instituted a charter form of government in 1964. Suburban homes and factories replaced the farms after World War II. The largest employer was what became known as Vultee Aircraft, then North American Aviation, (later North American Rockwell, then Rockwell International which was then bought by the Boeing company) whose facilities were the birthplace of the systems for the Apollo space program as well as the Space Shuttle.

Downey is also the final resting place (home, if you will) of the Columbia.

[South40]

I saw the Queen of England when she visited Rockwell’s Downey facility in 1983. I just happened to be there that day.

[Coldwater Creek]

I remember for several years after WWII the camouflage city on top of North American and the search lights. Downey is also home of the longest operating McDonalds Hamburgers.

[MoochPooch]

Downey is also the final resting place (home, if you will) of the Columbia.

It's also the final resting place of my sister. There are some Jewish cemeteries in that area.