From September 15 – October 15, the world celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Colorado has a rich and diverse Hispanic heritage, dating back to the early 17th century.
To celebrate the rich culture of Hispanic heritage from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America here’s a brief history of Hispanic heritage in Colorado.
The first Spanish expedition to enter Colorado was led by Francisco de Coronado in 1540. Coronado was searching for the Seven Cities of Cibola, a mythical land of gold and riches. He did not find the cities, but he did explore much of the southern and western parts of the state.
In the late 16th century, Juan de Oñate established a Spanish colony in New Mexico. Oñate’s colony included parts of southern Colorado, and many Hispanic settlers lived in the San Luis Valley and other areas of the region.
In the 19th century, Hispanic miners played a key role in the development of Colorado’s mining industry. They also worked on the construction of railroads and other infrastructure projects and agricultural sector.
Today, Hispanic Coloradans make up over 22% of the state’s population. They are the largest minority group in Colorado, and they continue to play a vital role in the state’s economy and culture.
Colorado is proud of its Hispanic heritage, and the state celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month each September. During this time, Coloradans of all backgrounds come together to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Coloradans. To help celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month in Colorado, CLICK HERE, to check out some events going on from now until the end of October.
