Hispanic Businesses in Tucson since 1854. Working Paper Series No. 14.

Hispanic business ownership has existed in Tucson, Arizona since before 1854, when legislation allowed the federal government to acquire the city and surrounding territory. Ranching and agriculture were primary sources of income for early Hispanic settlers but they also were able to diversify into other economic sectors. As Hispanics became integrated into American society, minority business ownership patterns changed. Starting in the 20th century, Mexican Americans tended to operate mostly service industry businesses, such as barber shops and grocery stores. There were a few Hispanic lawyers and doctors, but their numbers were small in comparison to the growing Mexican-American and Anglo populations. The Great Depression of the 1930s negatively affected the agriculturally oriented Hispanic families. By the 1940s, more Mexican Americans and Anglos were arriving, looking for employment. By the 1980s, the trend toward service-sector jobs was evident in Tucson. Most of the 20 Hispanic entrepreneurs interviewed for this study were first- or second-generation Tucsonians. The pioneer Hispanic families were no longer at the forefront of business opportunities. Instead, some of the offspring from these families were attracted to other enterprises. Current Hispanic owners' indecision as to whether they want their children to enter the family business indicates the possibility that some of these establishments may someday change hands. A continuing cycle of Hispanic "latecomers" operating businesses may develop in the Tucson area, resulting in the possible lack of a solid economic base for the Hispanic business community. (Author/TES)