Founded in 1900 it is older than the ubiquious Automobile Association of America (AAA) by several years. Interestingly enough, it was the first to put directional signs across the Los Angeles area, and had a highway patrol service active before the California Highway Patrol. Today, when most people think of the AAA they think of a tow truck, or maps, rather amazing how people are oblivious to the significance of the auto club to Southern California history.