RESEARCH & PROJECT BACKGROUND
Map of the Old Spanish Trail. Credit: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Understanding and preserving Nevada’s Latino history begins with listening, researching,
and documenting.
This Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) project combines personal stories with extensive historical research—drawing on newspapers, photographs, government records, and academic work—to create a representative picture of Latino life, contributions, and cultural significance across the state. This research is reflected in the Nevada Latino History & Impact Report.
Download the report in Spanish.
Download the report in English.
Nevada Latino History Outreach Project
Eddie Escobedo Sr. and son Eddie Jr. drafting “El Mundo.” Credit: University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
focus groups
Through in-person gatherings in Northern and Southern Nevada, local Latino residents shared their memories, traditions, and the places that matter most to them.
From these stories, NDOT identified significant sites and documented them for future generations, along with common themes and sentiments shared by the Nevada Latino community. The Outreach Meeting Overview (English, Spanish) is a snapshot of the experiences and stories that helped shape this project.
Historic Fifth Street School, originally named Las Vegas Grammar School. Credit: Heritage Architecture and Planning
During the focus groups, recurring themes and culturally significant places were identified.
spotlight stories
NDOT turned those insights into documented stories. The video series highlights real people and places that reflect the authentic experiences and sentiments of Nevada’s Latino community—preserving them for future generations.
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Doña Maria Tamales
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Mariposa Academy
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Moapa Valley