Role of Latinos in the American Civil War published

National Park Service Releases Publication on Role of Hispanics in Civil War

ATLANTA, GA -- As part of the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the National Park Service recently released a publication, “Hispanics and the Civil War: From Battlefield to Homefront,” that tells the story of the roles played by Hispanics on both sides of the conflict.

The publication is one of a series that tells of the contributions of various ethnic groups. The National Park Service and one of its cooperating associations, Eastern National, began this effort by developing a number of publications that describe the roles and perspectives of African Americans on the Civil War.

“The nationwide multiyear observance of the Civil War is an opportunity to remind millions of Americans of all backgrounds of their ancestors’ participation in the Civil War,” said Southeast Regional Director David Vela. “Hispanic citizens and immigrants alike fought on land and sea in every theater of the war — particularly in the Southwest in lands steeped in Hispanic heritage.”

“Hispanics and the Civil War: From Battlefield to Homefront” explores the lives of Hispanics from the bayous of the Gulf, to the cities of the North, to the vast deserts of the Southwest, and those from distant shores who were swept into the conflict that severed the nation in 1861. It examines the many and varied motives of the 20,000 Hispanics who chose to fight, as well as the countless civilians who lent their hearts and hands on the homefront.

Forty pages long and richly illustrated, this publication is a compelling way for Hispanic Americans to learn that the Civil War is their story, too, and for all Americans to discover the little known but extremely significant contributions Hispanics made at a defining moment in U.S. history.

“Through this publication, Hispanic Americans will learn and be inspired by the stories and achievements of their ancestors who fought and struggled for a more perfect union,” Vela said. “The Civil War is shared by all Americans. Hispanics can be proud of their history and legacy during one of our nation's most defining moments."

The full-color publication was produced with the assistance of superintendents, historians, park staff, Washington and regional program offices throughout the National Park Service. It was designed by Graphic Works Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., and is available through the National Park Service cooperating association, Eastern National, at http://www.eparks.com