Robert Owens owned the land where the Rose Bowl is today. Robert Owens was born into slavery on a cotton plantation in Texas in 1806. He convinced his enslaver to hire him out and split the proceeds. He was able to purchase his freedom in 1857. Leaving his wife and three children, he migrated to Los Angeles, California. Where he experienced a virulent form of racism in LA. After doing various jobs, he was able to purchase a cabin in the San Gabriel mountains, initially referred to as Black Canyon or Negro mountain. Eventually, he settled for a Spanish name of El Prieto. His fortuned change when he secured a US military contract to provide lumber and livery. The lumber was harvested from the local mountains with 10 employees. With his newfound wealth, he was able to extend his business interest and purchase extensive land holdings in LA, Altadena, and Pasadena. This includes the land on which the Rose Bowl now stands.