Overview

Small Armenian trading communities have existed outside Armenia for centuries. However most Armenians have scattered throughout the world as a direct consequence of the Genocide of 1915, constituting the Armenian Diaspora.

The first Armenian known to have moved to America was Martin the Armenian, who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1618. Since his arrival Armenians have dispersed all throughout United States.

California hosts the largest Armenian-American population. The first Armenian to arrive in California was Ruben Minasian, also known as Normart, which means new man in Armenian. He settled in Fresno in 1874. In 1920s, Armenian began to move from rural regions to cities, such as Los Angeles. By 1930, the Armenian population of Los Angeles was the largest in California.

Glendale, California in particular is famous for its high concentration of Armenians.

In Hollywood, California a small portion is known as "Little Armenia", extending east and west from Wilton Avenue to Vermont Avenue and north and south from Hollywood Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard.

Cities of California with the largest Armenian communities are

Los Angeles
Glendale
Burbank
North Hollywood
La Crescenta Montrose
Pasadena
Altadena
Montebello
Fresno
San Diego
San Jose
San Francisco
Anaheim
Beverly Hills
Sacramento

In recent years Armenian communities developed in:

Las Vegas, Nevada
Phoenix, Arisona
Seattle, Washington
Charlotte, North Carolina
Salt Lake City, Utah

The Armenian American community is the second largest in the world outside Armenia. The United States of America is now home to more than one million Armenians. Approximately half of this population reside in California.

Today California is home to Armenian American television shows and newspapers, nursing homes, churches, schools and cultural organizations.

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