Mexican

Mexico has been the fourth largest source of immigrants since 1820, and by far the largest source of immigrants in recent years. In fact, Mexican immigration has occurred in varying amounts for hundreds of years. In addition, many Mexicans "moved" to the United States as a result of the annexations of Texas and the West.

Early in the twentieth century, large numbers of Mexicans came to the U.S. to work in agriculture in California or as miners and track layers throughout the West. This pattern of Mexicans coming north of the border in search of better paying jobs has continued until the present day, with the largest numbers of Mexican-Americans residing in California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Contacts and Sources

Chicano Research Collection
Department of Archives and Manuscripts
Hayden Library, Arizona State University
Box 871006
Tempe, AZ 85287-1006
Telephone: (602) 965-3145

Los Fundadores and Friends of Santa Clara County, California
1509 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Telephone: (408) 926-1165, or (408) 248-ARTS for a recorded schedule of events
Publication: Los Fundadores

Hispanic History and Ancestry Research
9511 Rockpoint Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Institute of Genealogy and History for Latin America
316 West 500 North
St. George, UT 84770
Telephone: (801) 652-1710
Fax: (801) 674-5787
E-mail: lplatt@infowest.com
For more information about the Institute of Genealogy and History for Latin America, see the topic Institute of Genealogy and History for Latin America.

Web Sites

In Helpful Web Sites, you can find links to useful resources about Mexico.

Books

• Mexican immigration to the United States: A Study of Human Migration and Adjustment, by Manuel Gamio
• Ethnic Chronology Studies: The Chicanos in America, 1540-1974, by Richard A. Garcia
• Mexican and Spanish Family Research, by J. Konrad
• Genealogical Research in Latin America and The Hispanic United States, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Hispanic Surnames and Family History, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Latin American Military Records, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Latin American and Spanish Census Records, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Mexico, General Guide: Political Divisions, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Mexico, Gu’a general: Divisiones Eclesi‡sticas, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Mexico: Research Guide, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Research in Mexico City, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Tracing your Hispanic Heritage, by George Ryskamp
• Una Bibliograf’a de Historias Familiares de Latinoamˇrica y Los Estados Unidos, by Lyman D. Platt, Ph.D.
• Tracing Your Hispanic Heritage, by George R. Ryskamp

For some tips on researching abroad, see the topic All about international resources.

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