Spanish Americans facts for kids
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| Total population | |
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| Self-identified as "Spanish American" 2,598,873 (2000) Self-identified with Spanish ancestry |
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| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
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| Religion | |
| Christianity (Predominantly Roman Catholicism, minority Protestantism); non-religious | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
Spanish Americans are people in the United States who have ancestors from Spain. This means their family history connects them to Spain, either completely or partly. Many Spanish Americans have helped shape the culture and history of the U.S.
Contents
Who Are Spanish Americans?
Spanish Americans are a diverse group of people. They come from different regions of Spain. They also include descendants of early Spanish settlers in the Americas. These settlers arrived long before the United States was formed.
How Many Spanish Americans Live in the U.S.?
Millions of people in the U.S. identify as having Spanish ancestry. In 2000, about 2.6 million people said they were "Spanish American." By 2013, over 53 million people identified as Hispanic or Latino with Spanish roots. This shows a large and growing community.
Where Do Spanish Americans Live?
Spanish Americans live all across the United States. Many live in states that were once part of the Spanish Empire. These include California, Texas, New Mexico, and Florida. Other states with many Spanish Americans are New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana.
A Look at Spanish American History
Spanish people were among the first Europeans to explore and settle in what is now the United States. They arrived hundreds of years ago. Their influence can still be seen in many places today.
Early Spanish Explorers and Settlers
Spanish explorers like Juan Ponce de León arrived in Florida in the early 1500s. They established some of the oldest European settlements in the U.S. St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S.
Spanish settlers also moved into areas like New Mexico, California, and Texas. They built missions, towns, and ranches. These early communities helped shape the culture of the American Southwest.
Spanish Influence on U.S. Culture
The Spanish influence is strong in many parts of the U.S. You can see it in architecture, food, and music. Many city and state names, like Los Angeles and Montana, come from Spanish words.
The Spanish language is also a big part of this heritage. Millions of Americans speak Spanish. It is the second most common language in the country.
Notable Spanish Americans
Many Spanish Americans have made important contributions to American society. They have excelled in politics, arts, sports, and science.
Spanish Americans in Politics
Several Spanish Americans have held important political roles. For example, Bob Martinez was the first person of Spanish descent to be elected Governor of Florida. John Garamendi served as the Lieutenant Governor of California. These leaders have helped shape laws and policies.
Spanish Americans in Arts and Entertainment
Spanish Americans have also made their mark in entertainment. Famous actors like Rita Hayworth and Charlie Sheen have Spanish ancestry. Anita Page was another well-known Spanish American actress from the early days of Hollywood. Their talents have entertained millions.
Celebrating Spanish American Heritage
Many communities celebrate their Spanish heritage. Festivals and events often take place throughout the year. These celebrations share Spanish culture, music, dance, and food.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
In Santa Barbara, California, the annual Old Spanish Days fiesta is a big event. It celebrates the city's Spanish colonial history. People dress in traditional costumes. There are parades, music, and dancing. It's a fun way to learn about the past.
Cultural Centers and Missions
Places like El Centro Español de Tampa in Tampa, Florida, serve as cultural hubs. They help preserve Spanish traditions. Historic Spanish missions, like Mission Santa Barbara, also stand as reminders of the early Spanish presence. They are important landmarks.
Images for kids
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Dominique Bouligny, a lawyer and politician from Louisiana.
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Spanish American actress Anita Page in Our Modern Maidens (1929).
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The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Little Spain, New York.
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El Centro Español de Tampa, a cultural house built in 1912 in Ybor City, Tampa.
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Spanish children from the SS Heliopolis after arriving in Hawaii.
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Albert Estopinal, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana.
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Actress Rita Hayworth had Spanish ancestry.
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Santa Barbara, California’s annual Old Spanish Days fiesta celebration.
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Mission Santa Barbara was founded in 1786.
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Bob Martinez, first person of Spanish descent elected Governor of Florida.
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John Garamendi, 46th Lieutenant Governor of California.
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Charlie Sheen, an American actor.
