- The first Filipinos came to New Mexico in the 18th Century. They came as sailors with the Manila-Galleon Acapulco Galleon Trade. According to the 1790 Spanish Census, some of their descendants became teachers who settled near Isleta Pueblo. In 1910 Census, there were 10 native born Filipinos. In 1930, the number increased to 27. Now, we have more than 8,000 Filipino Americans.
- Our Philippines and New Mexico histories (both under Spanish colonization) have a lot of similarities, as highlighted in the FANHS RG 2005 brochure: Philippine NM Connection.
- On December 8, 1941, the 200th New Mexico Coast Artillery engaged Japanese bombers at Clark Field and Fort Stotsenberg, Philippines. The 200th, composed of 1,800 men, became the first unit to go into action in defense of the United States flag in the Philippines. Visit: Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of NM.
- George Curry was the governor of three provinces in the Philippines (Camarines, Isabela and Samar) during the American occupation. He also became the governor of New Mexico before its statehood.
- Read more about the history of the Filipinos in NM in our book/eBook: The Filipino American Experience in New Mexico (2014).
To read more about similarities of Philippines and New Mexico histories, click: Philippine NM Connection
If you want to add anything here, please contact fafnewmexico@gmail.com. Thanks.
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