Latinos in Oregon

The Hispanic/Latino presence in Oregon and Portland has a rich and varied history few people really know or understand. For many years, Hispanic/Latinos were considered "the best kept secret in Oregon." The truth reveals, however, that Latinos in Oregon have deep historical roots which go back at least 450 years.

In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers sailed the Oregon coast searching for scientific discovery, trade and territorial expeditions. In the mid-1800s Latinos came north to Oregon territory for gold, to operate mule pack transportation systems and serve in the volunteer militia during the "Indian Wars" in southern Oregon.
In the early 1870s, Mexican vaqueros played a major role in the development of the livestock economy of the eastern range lands of Oregon. Shortly thereafter, Latinos came to work on the railroads, build roads and raise sheep. Ships out of San Francisco brought Mexican produce, dry goods and more Latinos to Oregon. One such family were the Maria Carbajales - who ran a small lumber company in the Rockwood area of Southeast Portland in the early 1900's. The grandfather of Shelli Romero, Peter D. Maria, was born in Portland's St. Vincent Hospital in 1898.
World War II and the post-war years brought Latino farm workers, braceros, stevedores, servicemen, railroad crews, food processing workers and small businesses to Oregon. Social and economic adaptation began to occur in areas where large numbers of Latinos lived and worked. As far back as the early 1950s, Latinos were the largest language and ethnic minority in the state. However, due to the dispersal pattern in the rural areas and throughout the Portland metropolitan region, very few people knew they were there.

During the mid-1950s Mexican and Mexican American farm workers were the mainstay of Oregon's agricultural industry. Their labor made Oregon's agricultural industry what is is today. During the last 25 years, Latinos in Portland have tripled and now represent in excess of hundreds of thousands of residents. Most are of Mexican descent, but there are also smaller diverse communities of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Spanish and at least 12 other Latin Ameican countries living in Portland.

Throughout the 1960s-70s Latinos struggled to ensure that as citizens they could live their lives in dignity. The struggle resulted in new social programs, educational opportunities for children of farm workers and laborers and laws against discrimination based on national origin, language and race.
Hispanics are now starting new businesses, entering politics, publishing newspapers, operating radio stations, acquiring law degrees, joining Chambers of Commerce, and participating in educational forums.

Latinos in Portland have made and continue to make significant contributions to the City's development. They built the agricultural empire and moved into non-agricultural jobs. They represent the fastest growing community in the city where their number has tripled in less than a decade.

Latino influence and products are evident throughout the City - art, sculpture, holidays, cultural and religious celebrations, bilingual education, cultural exchange and trade.

The contributions of Latinos to the growth and development of Portland cannot be adequately detailed here. From helping to lay the foundation of the City to the methodically consistent ongoing community-driven political machine that works for change and improvement, Latinos have been at the heart of the City's advancement in the national arena.

While the overall percentage of the total population may be viewed as small by some, it is definitely growing at a rapid pace. Their contributions, like the race, remain powerful and distinguished.

The "Castellan Roses" brought from Mexico in 1830 are still part of the City's landscape today. They flourish year after year - they bring color and life, perserverance and adaptability - like Latinos, they are a symbol of the "City of Roses."