Hispanic Profiles in Nevada History: 1829-1991

Authors: Melvin “Tony” Miranda and Thomas Rodriguez
Published by:  The Latin Chamber of Commerce of Nevada, Inc.
Graphics and layout: Jack Cobos Graphics
Artwork: Andrew “Cokie” Valdivia
Funded by:  The Nevada 125th Anniversary Commission
Printed: MAC Printing, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 1991
Pages: 86

This book is an attempt by two present-day Nevada Hispanic historians to begin to rectify the longstanding historical oversight of Hispanic people in the State of Nevada and to provide a valid historical record of some of the valuable contributions that have been made by Hispanics to the opening of the American West and to the advancement of the State of Nevada.  It is a valuable and colorful history and it deserves to be told.  The book is divided into two parts.  Part One contains stories about important but pervasively overlooked Hispanics who discovered the Las Vegas Valley, discovered many of its gold and silver mines, who once owned the “Spanish Ranch” one of Nevada’s largest ranches ever, and the Mexican woman who helped discover the Borax deposits in Death Valley.  Part Two contains detailed profiles of five prominent Hispanic Nevadans who have made significant contributions to Nevada. They are Arturo Cambeiro, Architect, Bob Coffin, State Senator, Manny Cortez, County Commissioner and the Executive Director of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Liliam Lujan Hickey,

“Through their book, “Hispanic Profiles in Nevada History: 1829-1991,” the authors hope to show that Nevada owes much to Hispanic people.  The two hope their latest book will give Nevadans – especially the 124,000-plus Hispanics who now live in the State – a better idea of how their ancestors helped settle the Silver State.”

George McCabe, Reporter, Las Vegas Review-Journal 

“Hispanic people discovered Nevada, helped build its railroads, worked as buckeroos on its ranches, and  mined its gold, silver and other minerals.  With the 20th Century, the Hispanic community was integral in transforming the state from a rural backwater into a gambling mecca.”

Adrian Havas, Las Vegas SUN Newspaper