Hispanic American Portland: History

Hispanics have been recorded in Oregon history ever since Spanish explorers sailed along the coastline. In the 1800s, Mexican vaqueros came to Oregon to work as cowboys. Other Mexicans came here to mine gold, work on the railroad or operate mule supply packs for soldiers during the Indian wars.

When the military draft of World War II caused a labor shortage on American farms, more than 15,000 Mexican laborers came to Oregon to help harvest the crops. Many remained to work on farms or in other jobs or to open their own businesses.

Today, Hispanics make up Oregon’s largest minority. Now as in the past, Hispanic people contribute greatly to the lives of Oregonians and Portlanders through their culture, cuisine, art and commerce.

Hispanic activists are making their mark in Portland through efforts such as the recent renaming of César E. Chávez Boulevard (formerly 39th Avenue) and César E. Chávez K-8 School.

The sister city relationship between Portland and Guadalajara, Mexico, is symbolized by a large sculpture entitled “Mago Hermano” in the Portland Center for Performing Arts. The sculpture by Guadalajara-based artist Alejandro Colunga was a gift from the city of Guadalajara to the city of Portland and the Portland-Guadalajara Sister City Association.