By Gilbert Correa, Monuments Toolkit
The Monuments Toolkit team has been examining and recording monuments for populations such as the Hispanic community for the last three years. Hispanic monuments are significant because they celebrate a variety of contributions, connect communities to history, conserve cultural heritage, present a more complete tale of national identity, and inspire and give future generations a sense of belonging. They provide concrete links to the past and a foundation for shared memory and understanding by acknowledging the centuries-long influence of indigenous, European and African traditions on the Latino/a/x experience.
César E. Chávez National Monument
Keene, California
29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene, California 93531
The office and final resting place of one of the most significant Hispanic leaders of the 20th century in the United States are preserved at César E. Chávez National Monument in California. The United Farm Workers of America, the nation’s first permanent agricultural union, was founded under the leadership of César E. Chávez and his followers. Under his leadership, farm laborers’ predicament received ongoing worldwide attention, and they were granted better pay and safer working conditions. Labor rights and the acceptance of Hispanic Americans in the business and culture were significantly impacted by this.
Freedom Tower
Miami, Florida
600 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132
The Freedom Tower in Miami, Florida, which was once constructed as a newspaper headquarters, is known as the “Ellis Island of the South” since it served as the Cuban Assistance Center from 1962 until 1974. The Freedom Tower, a National Historic Landmark, is a significant tangible representation of the politics of the Cold War era and the experience of the Cuban diaspora. The 17-story structure, which was inspired by the tower of a Spanish cathedral, stood as a testament to freedom, hope, and the unwavering conviction that everyone who opposes oppression should have access to democracy. The South Florida community grew to depend heavily on the Cubans who lived there.
San Juan National Historic Site
San Juan, Puerto Rico
FVCG+5HX, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
The oldest European structure on American soil and among the oldest in the New World is this Spanish defensive system at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over the course of 150 years, the walls were expanded numerous times, ultimately defending the entire city of San Juan from frequent British and Dutch attacks. The San Juan National Historic Site, which has been designated a World Heritage Site, offers programs on the Spanish and Latino history of the island forts while also preserving these enormous fortifications. These amazing structures offer a breathtaking backdrop to San Juan’s lively culture and play a significant role in Puerto Rico’s history.