Charles F. Queenan was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1924, Queenan is noted for his extensive work on the history of the Port of Los Angeles, including authoring a seminal book on the subject. The interview delves into various aspects of the history and development of the Port of Los Angeles, beginning with the early European exploration led by Juan Cabrillo in 1542. Queenan recounts Cabrillo's journey along the coast of California, including his brief encounters with the indigenous people and his discovery of key landmarks such as San Diego and Catalina Island. The narrative continues with the contributions of other explorers like Sebastian Vizcaino and the gradual evolution of the port area from a shallow, undeveloped bay to a critical hub of maritime activity. Queenan also discusses the significant influence of prominent figures such as Phineas Banning, who played a pivotal role in modernizing the port and establishing vital infrastructure like the first telegraph and railway connections. The interview highlights the challenges faced during the development of the port, including the shallow waters of San Pedro Bay, the struggles with the Southern Pacific Railroad, and the smuggling activities that characterized the early days of the harbor. The conversation concludes with an overview of the port's transition into a major global trading hub, driven by the establishment of the Harbor Commission in 1907 and the subsequent developments in lumber and oil exports. Queenan emphasizes the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and its impact on the port's growth, marking the transformation from a primitive coastal outpost to one of the world's leading ports.