HISPANIC:
SPANISH AND MEXICAN AMERICAN

A shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In the early 1500s Spanish explorers claimed much of the southwestern United States for the king of Spain.  They called this land New Spain.  The Spanish government sent missionaries and soldiers to present day Texas and California to establish missions.  The purpose of the missions was to bring Christianity to the Indians and populate the land so other countries could not claim it.  For three hundred years, much of America belonged to Spain.  

When Mexico declared freedom from Spain, the southwestern United States became part of Mexico.  The Mexican government continued to settle what is today Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. 

As these people and the Native Indians came together an important culture was formed that still has strong influences on the lives of everyone living in the southwestern United States. 

Visit a photo gallery of about the Hispanic Heritage.

Visit a photo gallery of the Spanish Governor's Palace.