Category: September

Within the beautifully carved walls of a Mayan royal residence, the future ruler, Radiant Snake Jaguar, was born in Palenque, Mexico, on September 18, 524 in the Western Calendar.  Palenque was a Maya city state in southern Mexico, with ruins that date from 226 BC to its fall in about 1123 AD. Chan Bahlam, as he was… Continue reading Radiant Snake Jaguar, Birth of A Mayan King in 524

Today is the Feast day of the Virgen de las Mercedes (Virgin of Mercy) and the day to honor the Santeria god Obatalá.  The Virgin is honored throughout South and Central America and in Spain and Portugal.  Obatalá is honored in Cuba and Brazil, and is also considered as part of the Yoruba religion. For… Continue reading Feast Day of the Virgen de las Mercedes

September 15 is the official start of our nation’s annual celebration of Hispanic / Latinx Heritage Month, which continues through October 15.  Hispanic Heritage Week was initially approved by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and in 1988 President Ronald Reagan extended the week to a month of celebration.  September 15 was selected since five Latin… Continue reading Latinx / Hispanic Heritage Month

September 8 is the annual Feast of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Virgin of the Charity of Copper). The Virgin is nicknamed “Cachita”  and she is highly revered in Cuba.  During colonial times, the Virgin is believed to have intervened on behalf of native Cubans, saving them during a violent storm as they fled… Continue reading Feast of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

The exhibition “Not Lost in Translation: The Life of Clotilde Arias” premiered at the US Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.  Arias was a Peruvian immigrant who arrived in New York in 1923 during the Great Depression, at the age of 22.  Arias became an accomplished composer, musician, journalist, activist and educator.  Her musical composition,… Continue reading “Not Lost in Translation” The Life of Clotilde Arias

On September 18, 2012, the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina Legal Foundation (ACLU-NCLF) announced a new campaign to combat racial profiling during police traffic stops in North Carolina. The ACLU spent years investigating reports of racial profiling and racially biased policing in traffic stops across the state. A recent report from a University of… Continue reading American Civil Liberties Union defends Latinx in North Carolina

Richard Alfred Tapia is a highly respected American mathematician who has championed minority students in the sciences.  On September 28, 2011, US President Barack Obama awarded Tapia and 11 other scientists the National Medal of Science. Tapia created four day workshops on computational science for teachers from schools with high minority enrollments.  He has also mentored… Continue reading Richard Alfred Tapia awarded National Medal of Science

The Mexican Museum in San Francisco, California, opened the Tequila Don Julio Collection on September 23, 2011.  This art collection reflected the modern, dynamic artistic expression of Mexican and Mexican-American people. The Mexican Museum was founded in 1975. The mission of The Mexican Museum is to voice the complexity and richness of Latino art and culture throughout the… Continue reading Mexican Museum Opens the Tequila Don Julio Collection

Mexican actor and Hollywood star Gael Garcia Bernal interviewed with NPR (National Public Radio) News to discuss “The Invisibles”, a series of short documentaries on Central American people traveling through Mexico to reach the US.  The Central Americans are victimized by criminal and drug gangs in Mexico, and many who cannot pay ransoms or secure… Continue reading Gael Garcia Bernal and ‘The Invisibles’

With music, song and art, the first biannual Celebración Artística de las Américas (CALA) Festival was celebrated in Arizona on September 14, 2011. The CALA Alliance is an Arizona community-based organization dedicated to educating and inspiring all Arizonans about the richness of the Latino cultural heritage.  The Festival includes performances, exhibits, in-school activities, food, and events… Continue reading First biannual Celebración Artística de las Américas 2011

The renowned keeper of our spoken stories, StoryCorps, launched “Historias” on September 24, 2009.  Historias is a new program to preserve the experiences of Latinos in the US and Puerto Rico.  The program, which already exists in English, records informal conversations between family members or close friends who share their life experiences and stories with… Continue reading Launching of ‘Historias’ by National Public Radio 2009

“Musicals are my greatest love, without question,” choreographer and director Kenny Ortega declared in an interview with a leading Australian magazine in September 2006.  His earliest memories are of his parents’ laughter as they danced in their family living room.  Ortega’s parents were Spanish and Cuban; he was born in Palo Alto, California.  In his… Continue reading Interview with Kenny Ortega, Award Winning Director

Yes, they are still here.  On September 2, 2006, members of the World Order of the Ku Klux Klan rallied at the Battle of Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of a decisive Civil War battle.  Apparently, the Klan has not quite gotten over the official abolition of slavery in the US.  While continuing to… Continue reading Rally for the Worst 2006

Latinx shared our nation’s tragedy as 258 Latinx were killed in New York on September 11, 2001, when two hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center. Among the 177 men and 81 women were 21-year old Marlyn C. Garcia, a college student who aspired to work at the United Nations, and 28 year old Mario… Continue reading 9-11, A Latinx American Tragedy

The day of the Mac attack!  On September 7, 1996, Los Del Rio’s hit song ”Macarena” climbed into the top 100 of The Billboard 200. Antonio Romero and Raphael Ruiz, the two Spaniards in the Del Rio group, were pleasantly surprised by their song’s success.  It quickly became a cultural fixture, played at weddings, family… Continue reading ‘Macarena’ hits Top 100 of The Billboard 200

Another first for Latinx was earned by Ed Pastor (1943–2018), when he became the first Latinx from Arizona to be elected to US Congress.  Pastor was born in a small mining town in Arizona.  He earned his BA at Arizona State University and his law degree from Arizona State College of Law.   After serving as… Continue reading Congressman Ed Pastor of Arizona

Happy Birthday to Stefanía Fernández Krupij, born in Venezuela on September 4, 1990. Fernández was crowned as Miss Universe in 2009.  While she is 100% Venezuelan and Latina, her heritage is Ukrainian, Polish, Russian and Spanish. Feliz cumpleaños a Stefanía Fernández Krupij, nacida en Venezuela el 4 de septiembre de 1990. Fernández fue coronada como… Continue reading Stefanía Fernández Krupij, Miss Universe 2009

On September 20, 1988, Lauro Fred Cavazos was sworn in as Secretary of Education in President Ronald Reagan’s Administration.  Cavazos was the first Hispanic to serve in the US Cabinet.  Cavazos is a sixth-generation Texan born in Kingsville, Texas. Cavazos’ father strongly encouraged his education, and after he served in World War II, Cavazos earned a… Continue reading Lauro Fred Cavazos, US Secretary of Education

US President Ronald Reagan announced his appointment of Katherine Davalos Ortega on September 12, 1983 as US Secretary of the Treasury. “She is symbolic of the values the Hispanic community represents, and I am honored that she is to become a part of this administration,” stated Reagan. Ortega was born in Tularosa, New Mexico, and… Continue reading Katherine Davalos Ortega, US Secretary of the Treasury

To the surprise of cheering fans, Manuel Orantes upset leading US tennis player Jimmy Connors to win the US Open.   Orantes’ win was regarded as one of the greatest Grand Slam matches in tennis history.  Orantes was born in Granada, Spain, and has a reputation for being a true gentleman. In 2012, he was inducted into… Continue reading Manuel Orantes Wins US Open 1975

US television history was made on September 13, 1974, with the premiere of the comedy series, “Chico and The Man”.  This was the first US television series set in a Mexican American neighborhood. The series featured Jack Albertson as the grumpy owner of a repair garage in East Los Angeles, and Freddie Prinze (born Frederick… Continue reading Premiere of the Comedy Series “Chico and The Man”

In the terrible blast of bullets and artillery that raged through the Presidential Palace on September 11, 1973, democratically elected President Salvadore Allende was finally defeated.  In 1970 Allende was elected as President of Chile with a leftist coalition called Unidad Popular,or Popular Unity. Allende and his coalition planned dramatic social, economic and political reforms.  In… Continue reading The End of a Democratic Era in Chile 9-11-1973

Happy Birthday to actress Maria Canals Barrera born on September 28, 1966 in Miami, Florida.  Canals’ heritage is Cuban and Catalonian.  She has starred in numerous television series and several films.  Canals is best known for her roles in the “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Camp Rock” and its sequel.  She won ALMA (American Latino… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Maria Canals Barrera

Happy Birthday to Maria de la Soledad O’Brien, born on September 19, 1966 in Saint James, New York.  O’Brien’s parents were both immigrants; her mother is Afro-Cuban and her father is Irish-Australian. Her complex interracial heritage has influenced her profession.  O’Brien said of her work at CNN, “One of the things that has been a… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Maria de la Soledad O’Brien

Happy Birthday to beautiful and talented Salma Hayek, born in Veracruz, Mexico on September 2, 1966.  Her mother is Spanish and her father is Lebanese, part of the Lebanese diaspora that has graced Latin America in the 20th century.  Hayek’s initial inspiration for acting was the Hollywood movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Since then… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Salma Hayek 1966

On September 29, 1964, Mafalda made her two-dimensional debut in printed comics.  Mafalda is a precocious six-year old Argentinian girl, who continually plagues her parents with questions on weighty world affairs.  Compassionate Mafalda is genuinely concerned about the fate of humanity and world peace.  The comic strip was very popular in South America and Europe. … Continue reading Mafalda’s Debute 1964

On September 30, 1962, Mexican-American labor leaders César Chávez and Dolores Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. The first meeting was held at Edison Social Hall in Fresno, California.  Ms. Huerta’s tagline, !Si, Se Puede! was later re-purposed in the 2012 Obama Presidential Campaign.  Throughout its history,… Continue reading National Farm Workers Association is Founded 1962

Happy Birthday to politico, lawyer, and human rights activist Janet Murguia.  All American Murguia was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and currently served as president and chief executive officer of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).  Applauded by most and demonized by some, NCLR is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan Latino civil rights and advocacy… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Janet Murguia, Lawyer and Activist

As the curtain finally closed, cheers and applause rang through New York’s Winter Garden Theatre as the beloved musical “West Side Story” premiered on Broadway. The play is homage to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, set in the 1950s with New York street gangs.  Tony, a gang member, falls in love with Maria, the brother of a… Continue reading ‘West Side Story’ Premiers on Broadway 1957

Happy Birthday to singer, songwriter, and actress Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan.  Known to the nation as the Queen of Latin Pop, Estefan and her happy family are the song of the American Dream.  Born in Havana, Cuba, she immigrated to Miami with her family at a young age.  The family endured the… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan

Happy Birthday to professor, poet and writer Lorraine López, born on September 6, 1956 in Los Angeles, California.  López earned her BA at California State University and her MA and Ph D at the University of Georgia. Known for her insightful cross cultural literature, her works include ‘Soy la Avon Lady and Other Stories‘ and… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Lorraine López, Professor, Poet and Writer

Happy Birthday to Cesar Rosas, guitarist, singer, and member of the iconic Mexican American rock band, Los Lobos (The Wolves).  Rosas and his fellow band members met in high school, and their band has entertained and inspired audiences for over 30 years.  Their music is a unique blend of Mexican folk and American rock, blues,… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Cesar Rosas, Musician and Rock Star

On September 30, 1950, the 65th Infantry Regiment, an infantry regiment of soldiers who were all from Puerto Rico arrived at Pusan, Korea, to fight for their country in the Korean War.  Puerto Ricans volunteered in huge numbers for the war.  The Puerto Rican regiment fought in nine major campaigns over three years, earning medals and… Continue reading Puerto Rican Heros in the Korean War 1950

Happy Birthday to brilliant and iconoclastic Spanish film maker Pedro Almodóvar Caballero, born on 25 September 1949 in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain.  Almodóvar stated that his strong-willed mother influenced his art, and his female characters are strong and eccentric.  He began shooting with a super-8 film camera  that he’d saved up for, and started building… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Pedro Almodóvar Caballero, Award Winning Film Artist

Rodrigo Reyes was a journalist and social activist during the enlightening and tumultuous 60s and 70s in San Francisco, California.  His parents were migrant farm workers from Mexico and he was born September 24, 1945 in Weslaco, Texas.  Reyes was one of the founders of the Gay Latino Alliance (GALA), which became an important organization… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Rodrigo Reyes, GALA Founder

For many North Americans, the Christmas song “Felize Navidade” by Puerto Rican singer Jose Feliciano was your first introduction to Latino music.  Born in Puerto Rico on September 10, 1945, Feliciano was a trail blazer for Latinx music.  In 1968, he won Grammy awards for best new artist and best contemporary male pop vocal performance… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Jose Feliciano, Award Winning Musician

The Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, one of the largest and most respected private universities in Latin America, was founded in Monterrey, Mexico on September 6, 1943.  The Institute has 31 campuses in 25 cities throughout Mexico, as well as international programs throughout the world for diverse disciplines such as law and chemical… Continue reading Founding of The Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education 1943

Happy Birthday to peacemaker, politician, writer and Nobel Prize Winner Óscar Arias Sánchez, born in Heredia, Costa Rica.  Arias graduated from the University of Costa Rica and earned a PhD from University of Essex (England).  He courageously worked to create peace during the bloody decades of war that raged in neighboring countries in Central America.… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Óscar Arias Sánchez, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

From our nation’s family photo album at the Library of Congress, Mexican Americans Chico Real and Lolo Mendoza pose with their guitars in Kingsville, Texas on September 1, 1940.  The photo is from the Lomax Collection of folk musicians, proving that despite what 21st century politicians may say, Latinx were always woven into the history… Continue reading Everyday Life of Chico Real and Lolo Mendoza, American Musicians

September 21, 1939 was the birthday of the controversial business and political leader Jorge Mas Canosa, born in Santiago, Cuba.  Mas was educated at Presbyterian Junior College in North Carolina, and studied law in Cuba at the University of Oriente.  After being arrested for opposing the Batista regime in Cuba, Mas and his family immigrated… Continue reading Birthday of Jorge Mas Canosa, Entrepreneur and Politician

Happy Birthday to lawyer, professor and statesman Antonio Colorado, born on September 8, 1939 in New York City.  After completing his early education in Puerto Rico, he received a BA from Boston University and law degrees from Harvard University and the University of Puerto Rico.  Colorado served as Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in the 102… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Antonio Colorado, Lawyer, Professors and Statesman

Economic and political unrest rocked Cuba during the mid-20th century.  On September 3, 1933, a group of sergeants, corporals and enlisted men in the Cuban armed forces met to discuss their grievances, which they hoped to present to their senior officers.  When the senior officers refused to meet with the men, the conflict escalated into… Continue reading Revolution in Cuba 1933

Happy Birthday to politician and public servant Carlos Romero-Barceló, born in San Juan Puerto Rico.  Barceló is the first former Governor of Puerto Rico who also served in the US Congress. His position in Congress was as Resident Commissioner, which is the only voice in Congress for the 3.7 million citizens of Puerto Rico. Barceló graduated from… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Carlos Romero-Barceló, Politician and Public Servant

Happy Birthday to politician and public servant Eligio de la Garza, born on September 22, 1927 in Mercedes, Texas.  Garza’s family traces their roots in the homeland to the 1700’s. Garza served in the US Navy and Army, and earned a law degree from St. Mary’s University.  He served six terms in the Texas House of… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Eligio de la Garza, Lawyer and Veteran

On September 21, 1926 in a one-room adobe home near Falls City, Texas, Reies Lopez Tijerina began his turbulent, brilliant, controversial life.  Tijerina’s family started as sharecroppers but were reduced to migrant workers, and he spent his early life working in the fields.  His experiences with discrimination inspired his life as a social activist; as… Continue reading Birthday of Reies Lopez Tijerina, Political Activist

Happy Birthday to folklore scholar, poet, author, professor and historian Américo Paredes, born on September 3, 1915 in Brownsville, Texas. Paredes’ life was a bridge between the two worlds of the neighboring borderlands of the US and Mexico.  For over 30 years, he was a professor of English and anthropology at the University of Texas… Continue reading Américo Paredes, Scholar, Poet, and Historian 1915

Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, the second elected President of Guatemala, was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala on September 14, 1913.  Arbenz lived through the turbulent period of Guatemala’s early democracy. In 1950, he was elected by 60% of the vote.  Arbenz continued the agricultural reforms and land redistribution started by his predecessor, to the anger of the… Continue reading Birthday of Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, President of Guatemala

Panama was part of the nation of Colombia until its rebellion in 1902. The US had attempted to negotiate with the Colombian government to allow the US a perpetual lease of the valuable Colombian territory that eventually became the Panama Canal. When Colombia refused the terms of the lease, the US decided to “encourage” Panamanian… Continue reading Panamanian Independence 1903

September 17, 1883 is the birthdate of William Carlos Williams, a renowned poet and medical doctor. Williams’ mother was a Sephardic (Spanish) Jew, and she was a tremendous inspiration for his work.  Williams was born in Rutherford, New York, and educated in Geneva, Switzerland and at the University of Pennsylvania.  Williams practiced as a pediatrician for… Continue reading Happy Birthday to William Carlos Williams, Poet and Doctor

The Grito de Lares, (Cry of Lares) was the beginning of the first Puerto Rican rebellion for independence against Spain, on September 23, 1868.  About 1000 Puerto Rican rebels took control of the town of Lares and proclaimed themselves as the independent.  Unfortunately, the rebels were quickly overpowered by the Spanish Royalist forces.  (Poster Image… Continue reading Puerto Rican Rebellion 1868

On September 27, 1860, undocumented US forces landed in Colombia at the Bay of Panama, to protect North American interests during a revolution. (I think that we’ve heard this excuse before?)  At least, that was the North American perspective.  The Colombian perspective was that the US was interfering with their sovereignty while the Colombians legitimately… Continue reading Undocumented US Forces Invade Panama again! 1860

To the great relief of millions of Central American and Mexican citizens, terrorist and enemy combatant William Walker was killed on September 12, 1860 in Trujillo, Honduras.  For a long brutal decade, Walker had invaded various countries, attempting to reestablish slavery for African Americans and enslave the Native Americans in undemocratic dictatorships headed by himself. … Continue reading Death of William Walker, All American Terrorist 1860

On September 16, 1856, US troops landed in Panama, remaining until September 22. The stated reason was to “protect American interests during an insurrection.”  The “insurrection” was actually a riot that had occurred in April of that year, involving a number of drunk tourists, an unpaid bar tab and a serving of watermelon.  One of William… Continue reading Undocumented US Forces Invade Panama 1856

With grand celebration, California was admitted to the US as a state on September 9, 1850, now remembered as California Admissions Day.  The area was explored by the Spanish in 1533, much to the consternation of the native American nations who were living there for thousands of years. At the end of the Mexican American war… Continue reading California Joins the US 1850

Alien US troops under the command of General Winfield Scott reached the outskirts of Mexico City, and began bombarding the city with artillery.  Thousands of civilians were killed and injured during the invasion on September 14, 1847, during the US Mexican War (1846 to 1848).  Scott initially reported 1000 soldiers killed and 1700 wounded in… Continue reading US Attacks Mexico City 1847

Joseph Marion Hernández, the first Latinx to serve in Congress and the first Delegate from the territory of Florida, began his term on September 30, 1822. Hernández was born in St. Augustine Florida. He served in the US Army during the Florida Indian Wars, earning an appointment as Brigadier General of the Mounted Volunteers. Joseph… Continue reading Congressman Joseph Marion Hernández 1822

On September 7, 1822, the nation of Brazil declared its independence from Portugal.  Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the world’s fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population, with over 211 million beautiful people (2019 population) and the 12th largest Gross Domestic Product (2020 GDP) in the world. El 7 de septiembre de 1822,… Continue reading Brazilian Independence 1822

On September 15, 1821, the nations of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador declared independence from Spain.  The nations briefly formed the United Provinces of Central America, but this union dissolved in 1840. The populations of these countries are multi-ethnic, and many people are descended from the advanced Mayan civilization that dominated most… Continue reading Independence Days in the Americas 1821

In the dawn hours of September 16, 1810 in the small town of Dolores, Mexico, Spanish priest-turned-rebel leader Miguel Hidalgo declared Mexico’s independence from Spain. The movement was initially known as the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”). As church bells rang, Hidalgo urged his people to revolt against their colonial oppressors. The first major engagement of the… Continue reading Mexican Independence Day 1810

After seven long difficult years of rebellion, the North American Revolutionary War finally ended on September 3, 1783. The British signed treaties with representatives of the newly independent US and separately with representatives of Spain and France.  The Spanish had aided the US Continental Army throughout the entire rebellion, starting with supplying crucial military equipment… Continue reading Spanish Aid to the Continental Army 1775-1783

On September 5, 1781, one of the most important battles in the history of the US was fought, without any North Americans.  The Battle of the Chesapeake Capes in Virginia was fought by the French Navy, aided by Spanish funds and logistical support. This naval victory prevented British naval reinforcements from reaching the British Army… Continue reading The Battle of the Chesapeake Capes 1781

Originally christened as “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula”, the city of Los Angeles was founded by the Spanish governor Felipe de Neve and 44 Spanish settlers on September 4, 1781. Los Angeles became part of Mexico in 1821, and was later stolen by undocumented US invaders in the… Continue reading Founding of Los Angeles 1781

On September 24, 1778, the norteamericano ship Scorpion led by Captain Ivis departed from Spain to the rebel colonies in North America, with supplies for the Continental Army. This equipment included blankets, quinine, and cloth for uniforms, which were badly needed throughout the American Revolutionary War. Shipments were arranged by Diego Gardoqui, a Spanish Basque merchant… Continue reading The Scorpion Departs to Aid the US Rebels 1778

The North American ship “Hawke” commanded by Captain Brazilla departed from Spain to the US on September 16, 1778.  The ship carried supplies for the rebel Continental Army, including blankets, quinine, and cloth for uniforms. Shipments were arranged by Diego Gardoqui, a Spanish Basque merchant, first Ambassador from Spain to the US, and friend of… Continue reading Spanish Aid Shipments to US Rebels 1778

In the autumn breeze on the beautiful coast of California, Spanish friar Junipero Serra founded the mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on September 1, 1772. California was then part of the Spanish empire, which had stolen it from the First Nations, only to have it later stolen by the US. This mission was… Continue reading Founding of the Mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 1772

In the early autumn light of southern California, two Spanish friars founded the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel on September 8, 1771. This mission was the fourth in the series of Spanish missions that stretched along El Camino Real on the California coast.  The mission is now a Catholic parish that ministers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese… Continue reading Founding of the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel 1771

The earth rumbled through the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala on September 29, 1717, destroying much of the city’s stunning Baroque architecture. But the city’s strong-hearted inhabitants persisted in restoring the grandeur and elegance of their treasured home, and today Antigua is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The city is surrounded by… Continue reading The Earthquake in Antigua, Guatemala 1717

Pained with regret and remorse, the last survivor of the original Spanish conquistadors (invaders) of Peru, wrote his last will remembering the impact of the conquest, on September 18, 1589.  Don Mancio Serra de Leguisamo wrote in his will:  “[W]e found these kingdoms in such good order, and the said Incas governed them in such… Continue reading A Conquistador’s Regret 1589

The Spanish had explored and navigated the Virginia waterways decades before the English established their first permanent settlement at Jamestown.  In a letter dated September 12, 1570 the Spanish in Virginia reported to headquarters in Havana, detailing their voyage from Florida and the scenario in Virginia.  At this time, the Virginia territory had experienced several… Continue reading The First European Explorers of America 1570

The French and Spanish initially battled over the territory in the southern US. French Huguenots, religious followers of John Calvin, constructed a fort at Caroline, Florida, near the mouth of the St. Johns River.  In the rainy dawn of  September 20, 1565, Spanish officer Pedro Menendez de Aviles led an attack against the French heretics. Women… Continue reading Spanish and French battle in Caroline, Florida, 1565

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer working for the Spanish government, was the first European to navigate the area that became San Diego, California.  According to some reports, he thoroughly annoyed the native American nations that had lived there for thousands of years, who shot arrows at the invaders.  Cabrillo and his crew arrived on… Continue reading Spanish Invasion of San Diego, California 1542

The last of the ships of the grand vision of circumnavigating the world finally arrived in Spain on September 6, 1522.  King Charles I of Spain supported the voyage in search of a westward route to southeast Asia.  The fleet was led by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who worked for the Spanish.  Magellan perished… Continue reading The Voyage around the World 1522

The peoples of the sophisticated Mayan civilization began to write with their alphabet before the European civilizations, in the year 302.  The complex pictograms were not understood by Europeans until the mid- 20th century. This pictogram is from the Mayan Early Classic period, denoting the date of September 15, 320 in our Western calendar and detailing… Continue reading Mayan Writing 302: The first emoticons?