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Website Scavenger Hunt of Latino Heritage Sites

The histories of Latinos and Latinas in America are diverse. They include the experiences of people with cultural, religious, and linguistic (or language) traditions from Latin America nations. Some arrived in the United States as immigrants or refugees, while others trace their ancestry to Spanish-speaking or indigenous peoples living in North America long before the establishment of the United States of America.

Discover some of the remarkable Latino heritage stories preserved in our national parks and historic places. This activity will send you to different pages on our website so you can learn more about these sites and their importance.

Instructions:

  1. Try to find the answer to each of these questions about Latino heritage sites.

  1. Click and drag the image slider to the right to reveal the correct answer.

  1. If you are having trouble answering the question, you can click on the hint to learn more about the site.

Question 1: San Juan National Historic Site

Image of colonial Spanish castle (left); text reading "Castillo San Cristobal" (right) Image of colonial Spanish castle (left); text reading "Castillo San Cristobal" (right)

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Credit: NPS Photo

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On November 19, 1493, Europeans arrived at Puerto Rico for the first time, and in 1508 Juan Ponce de León arrived on the island to establish a settlement. San Juan was settled and shortly thereafter construction began on fortifications for the city. Find clues to answer the question below! 

Question 2: San Antonio Missions Historical Park

Image of white church bell tower (left); text reading "Coahuiltecans" (right) Image of white church bell tower (left); text reading "Coahuiltecans" (right)

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People have lived in South Texas for at least 10,000 years. These early inhabitants were migrant hunter gatherers. That means they moved with the seasons to find food. They were distinct bands made up of family units. When the Spanish arrived in the 1700s, they began what they called missions and converted the native peoples into Spanish citizens by teaching them a new language, religion, and trades. Find clues to answer the question below! 

Question 3: César E. Chávez National Monument

Image of Cesar Chavez gravesite and a cross (left); text reading "United Farm Workers of America" (right) Image of Cesar Chavez gravesite and a cross (left); text reading "United Farm Workers of America" (right)

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Credit: NPS / Ruben Andrade

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Located in Keene, California, within the property known as Nuestra Señora Reina de La Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), the monument includes the home and final resting place of renowned Latino civil rights activist César E. Chávez. He led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's first permanent agricultural union. Find clues to answer the questions below! 

Question 4: El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Image of people walking on a trail (left); text that reads "United States, Mexico, Texas and New Mexico" (right) Image of people walking on a trail (left); text that reads "United States, Mexico, Texas and New Mexico" (right)

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El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Road of the Interior Land) National HistoricTrail runs through the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. The trail, some twelve hundred miles, marks the oldest trade route in the United States. Extended by segments throughout the 16th century, it was at one time the longest road in North America. It is blazed atop a network of indigenous footpaths and trade corridors that connected ancient cultures. Find clues to answer the question below! 

Question 5: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Image of mountains and clouds (left); text that reads "160 acres" (right) Image of mountains and clouds (left); text that reads "160 acres" (right)

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The Homestead Act of 1862 gave citizens of the world an opportunity to obtain Free Land in the United States. Millions were invited to file claims including, families, immigrants, single women, and freed enslaved people. This act brought more ‘Latino Homesteaders’ to settle in the Southwest, and brought a big population of Mexicans to the Santa Monica Mountain area.  Find clues to the answer below! 

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Last updated: July 21, 2021