History Of Latinos
In The Northwest
1950s – In addition to gravitating to rural communities for agricultural work, thousands travel to urban centers such as Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and the I-5 corridor illustrating the urbanization and entrepreneurial spirit of Latinos. Latino owned businesses emerge in Seattle and Spokane.
1960s – Latinos account for about 65,000 of the overall state population. Join the civil rights movement and establish a distinct movement of their own. The most important being the United Farm Workers Co-op in Toppenish in 1967.
1979 – Radio KDNA was established as Washington’s first Spanish language public radio in Granger, Washington.
1980s – Census shows Local Latino population grew to 123,000. By the end of the decade, the population nearly doubled to 214,570.
1990-2000 – North Central Washington records a 140% increase in the Latino population, mostly of Mexican origin.
Now – Latinos continue to establish businesses and work in the service industries, manufacturing, and hi-tech. Latinos become prominent in local politics, medicine, legal professions, communications, and more.
19th Century - This period represents a continued Latino presence due to the expansion of cattle ranching, trade transportation, and mining.
After1819 – Latinos created the backbone of the transportation system for the mining economy.
Walla Walla was the center of the mining activity and by 1870 had a large Mexican population.
1920s – Latino labor was recruited as the agricultural production exploded and other industries such as timer, railroad and construction grew.
1940s –Due to the war effort, Latinos from various occupational backgrounds participated either as Braceros, farm laborers, or as U.S. military personnel.
