Stories from the Barrio Book

Stories from the Barrio offers a new look at the history of Fort Worth. In his search to discover the roots of the Hispanic community, Carlos E. Cuéllar was surprised to discover the lack of historical documentation of the history of the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the city. Convinced that the story of these forgotten people deserved to be told—from the stories of early Mexicanos escaping hardship and terrors of the Mexican Revolution, to the attempts of second generation Mexican Americans to assimilate, to the political voice and freedoms secured by the Chicano generation—Cuéllar began to delve into public records such as city directories and interview members of the Hispanic community.

Cuellar explores the early barrios near major sources of employment and follows the rise of a business class, especially the restaurateurs. Mexicanos who served their country in World War II came home to racism and changed the landscape of the city. Today, Hispanic leaders play a proud role in the Mexican community and are an integral part of the leadership of the city.

Cuellar's Stories from the Barrio, the first attempt to examine this community and its history, paves the way for further research into Fort Worth's diverse past.

About the Editor:
Carlos E. Cuellar is director of the D. D. Hachar Honors Program, Department of Social Sciences, Texas A&M International University, Laredo.