The Basque Legacy in the Borderlands

Long before Arizona became part of the United States, Basque settlers: soldiers, ranchers, and miners left a lasting imprint on the Arizona-Sonora borderlands. From their role in Spanish colonial expeditions to the development of ranching traditions that still endure today, the Basque influence runs deep in the region's history.

This presentation will explore the Basque presence in the Spanish Empire, their contributions to presidio life, cattle ranching, commerce, and the cultural traditions they brought from the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrennes. We'll also examine how their legacy continues to shape the identify of the Southwest.