Sept. 27, 2021 – According to the 2010 U.S. Census, out of a total population of 308.7 million, 50.4 million were of Hispanic origin, a significant increase from the 2000 Census. Each year from September 15 to October 15, the nation commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate their past, present and future as an integral and vital part of America. Learn about Hispanic heritage and history by exploring national parks that provide unique venues to step back into history while stepping forward into the future.
It’s helpful to first define what it means to be of Hispanic origin. Hispanic is not a race. According to the U.S. Census, the terms Hispanic or Latino refers to “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South and Central America or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.”
In 2000, out of total population of 281.4 million living in the United States, 35.3 million were Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census.
People of Hispanic origin have been living in North America for hundreds of years.
Tumacacori National Historic Park in southern Arizona explores the Spanish mission system developed in the 17th and 18th centuries that lasted into the 19th century in what is now Texas, California and Arizona. Beginning in the 16th century, European countries saw the “New World” as a new opportunity for trade, natural resource acquisition and geopolitical expansion. European priests established missions in the New World at the end of the 17th century for religious purposes. Churches and community centers constructed during this period represent iconic Spanish mission architecture that is still popular today.
Although it took many years of negotiation, the border between Mexico and the United States near El Paso, Texas was finally settled in 1963 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an agreement with Mexico. The Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso is a site within the National Park Service that highlights the importance of that agreement, which ended years of dispute about the border.
Hispanic American soldiers
Hispanic American have been proudly serving in the U.S. military for more than 150 years. According to the Hispanic Medal of Honor Society, Hispanic soldiers have been awarded the Medal of Honor in every war dating back to the Civil War. During World War II (1939-1945), 17 Hispanic American soldiers received the Medal of Honor and during the Vietnam War in the 1970s, 22 Hispanic American soldiers received the military’s highest honor.
Leroy Petry is the most recent Hispanic Medal of Honor recipient. He served in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011. He was recognized for his valorous actions on May 26, 2008 in Afghanistan.
During Hispanic Heritage Month and all year, read and learn about the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to America’s dynamic culture.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How many Americans reported being of Hispanic origin in the 2000 U.S. Census?
2. How many Americans reported being of Hispanic origin in the 2010 U.S. Census?
3. What is the definition of an “Hispanic or Latino” person, according to the U.S. Census?
4. In what centuries were Spanish missions established in Texas, Arizona and California?
5. When was the border dispute between Mexico and the United States near El Paso, Texas finally settled?
INQUIRY QUESTIONS
1. What percent of the population in 2000 was Hispanic?
2. What percent of the population in 2010 was Hispanic?
3. What was the percent change in the number of Hispanic Americans from the 2000 to the 2010 U.S. Census? What was the change from 2010-2019 (see link)?
4. Why is the National Park Service such a significant resource to learn about Hispanic heritage and culture?
5. Through the link provided, read about Leroy Petry and his Medal of Honor award. Why is he a role model for all Americans?