Hispanic Heritage Site

Hispanic Heritage Site

The National Park System is well endowed to commemorate Hispanic contributions to American society. Some 20 national parklands represent America's Hispanic heritage. Some sites remotely display Hispanic contributions to American culture. The National Park System not only preserves the history and contributions of Hispanic Americans. It is also a part of the nation's history. Over the years, the National Park Service has reflected the nation's social history. Among the first Hispanics who influenced the course of the National Parks were:

Biologist

• George Melendez Wright was born in California in 1904. In 1927, he was hired at Yosemite National Park as assistant park naturalist. Through his studies and insight, the park service moved away from the destruction of predator to the scientific management of park plants, animals and scenery.
  • George Wright Society
  • Fauna of the National Parks of the United States, by George M Wright

Early Superintendents (not fully inclusive)

• Julio Marrero-Nunez (San Juan 1962–1970);
• Edward C. Rodriquez, Jr. (Organ Pipe Cactus 1973–1975, Southern Arizona Group 1989);
• Ray G. Martinez, Jr. (Organ Pipe Cactus 1975–1979);
• Edward C. Rodriquez, Jr. (Amistad 1975–89);
• Ernest W. Ortega (Pecos 1978–80);
• José A. Cisneros (San Antonio Mission 1979–1988, Bandelier 1988–90, Gettysburg 1989 – c. 1993);
• Santiago Cruz (San Juan 1980);
• Luis Garcia-Curbelo (San Juan 1980–1985);
• Robert C. Reyes (Florissant Fossil Beds 1980–83, Great Sand Dunes 1983–1988);
• David P. Herrerra (Whitman Mission 1987–1990)
• Eddie L. Lopez (Grant-Kohrs Ranch 1988 – c. 1993);
• Peter G. Sanchez (act’g Haleakala 1988 – c. 1993);
• Vidal V. Martinez (Sagamore Hill 1990 – c. 1993);
• Edward A. Lopez (Coronado 1990 – c. 1993);

Regional Directors

• Ernesto Quintana, Midwest Region (2003-date)