Spanish Immigration to America: A Genealogical Guide

Economic hardship, political turmoil, and the promise of a better life propelled thousands of Spaniards across the Atlantic in the early 1900s.

Their journey, marked by arduous voyages and challenging conditions, ultimately shaped the cultural, economic, and social landscape of communities across the U.S. This is the story of their resilience, their contributions, and their enduring legacy.

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Two reasons for Spanish immigration in the early 1900s

Reason 1: The Spanish-American War and its aftermath

The Spanish-American War of 1898 lasted only ten weeks but had devastating consequences for Spain. Cuba gained independence, while Spain ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S.

The Paris Treaty also allowed the U.S. to purchase the Philippine Islands from Spain for twenty million dollars. At the same time, the U.S. annexed the Hawaiian Islands.

The war severely weakened Spain’s economy. Losing Cuba, a major producer of sugar and a key trade partner led to a decline in exports, rising unemployment, and mounting government debt. Economic hardship, combined with growing dissatisfaction with the government, prompted many Spaniards to consider emigration.

At the same time, political unrest was intensifying. Many opposed the monarchy’s continued influence, and the failure to modernize the economy fueled the rise of Republican, Socialist, and Anarchist movements.

Reason 2: Political and social unrest leading up to emigration

The “Tragic Week” of 1909 in Catalonia highlighted this unrest. The conflict erupted when working-class men, already struggling economically, were forced into military service while the wealthy could pay to avoid conscription.

What started as protests escalated into violent clashes with the military, and resentment toward the Catholic Church grew, as it was seen as siding with the ruling elite. Over 120 people died in the conflict. While many Spaniards blamed the Catholic upper class for the inequality, a large portion of those who chose to emigrate remained loyal Catholics.

The violence was a turning point, pushing many to leave Spain and resulting in a significant wave of Spanish immigration to the U.S. in 1910.

Suspects rounded up at the Civil Guard during the Tragic Week [1].

How Spanish immigrants reached the U.S.

At the turn of the 20th century, a significant wave of Spanish immigrants sought new opportunities in the U.S. For them, the journey from Spain to America invariably began with a long voyage by steamship.

Steamship companies charged $30 for a third-class passenger ticket, also called steerage. In today’s money, that amount is equivalent to $1127. In many cases, leaving Spain took all the money they had, and the trip itself was hard.

Steerage passengers had to fix their food, shared bathroom facilities with many others, lacked private space for families, and were only allowed out on the main or lower deck.

The cramped and unsanitary conditions in steerage often led to widespread seasickness, and diseases like cholera and typhoid fever spread rapidly amongst the passengers during the weeks-long voyage.

» Find out everything about ship manifest records

Destinations and entry points for Spanish Immigrants

Destinations varied based on whether immigrants had a predetermined final destination. While New York City was a primary entry point, other ports along the eastern and southern coasts also became significant destinations for Spanish immigrants. Major ports included Baltimore and New Orleans.

New Orleans was a convenient port for immigrants whose final destination was Tampa, Florida. Many Spanish immigrants worked in the cigar industry there. Some of these immigrants were Spanish workers who had first migrated to Cuba and then re-emigrated to the U.S.

A unique case: Spanish immigrants to Hawaii

A particularly unique situation involved the immigration of 8,000 Spaniards to Hawaii between 1907 and 1913. They boarded ships from various regions of Spain for the long journey to Hawaii. The voyage took approximately fifty days, and they crossed the Atlantic Ocean, navigated around Cape Horn, and finally entered the Pacific Ocean before reaching their destination.

In Hawaii, they began working in the sugar cane fields. In Hawaii’s sugar cane fields, Spanish immigrants faced back-breaking labor under the scorching sun. They toiled for long hours cutting and loading heavy stalks of cane, often suffering from heat exhaustion and injuries from the sharp leaves.

Plantation owners, while providing basic housing, prioritized maximizing output, leaving workers with limited free time or opportunity for advancement. This harsh reality taught many that while opportunity existed in America, it often came at a significant physical cost.

Despite the initial influx to Hawaii, many Spaniards did not remain there long-term. By the 1930 census, the number of residents in Hawaii who reported Spain as their birthplace had dwindled to just 1,219. Spanish immigrants primarily landed in Californian cities such as Hollister, Vacaville, Winters, and Monterey.

» Learn about California’s marriage certificates to find your Spanish ancestor

A newspaper cutout of Spanish immigrants leaving Malaga for Hawaii.

Impact of Spanish immigrants on American life

Cultural impact

A group of Spanish immigrants settled in St. Louis, working in zinc smelting and living in the Carondelet neighborhood in the south of the city. This created a need for a Catholic church that conducted Mass in Spanish, leading to the opening of Our Lady of Covadonga Catholic Church in 1915.

In response to the growing Spanish-speaking community, the local library posted Spanish-language invitations for free English classes in various public spaces. Librarians also stocked books for visiting immigrants.

In addition to the church in St. Louis, another example of their faith-based communities can be found in New York. Spanish immigrants in the city settled on the Lower East Side along the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Our Lady of Guadalupe, the first Spanish-speaking Catholic church in New York, was founded in 1902 to serve these new immigrants.

Located in what is now called “Little Spain” between Greenwich Village and Chelsea, the area also became home to several Spanish restaurants that served traditional dishes.

Economic impact

Spanish immigrants worked in nearly every industry in the U.S., but one sector in particular felt their impact immediately—agriculture. Some of the Spanish immigrants who arrived in Hawaii later settled in Vacaville, California.

The Los Angeles Times report from June 27, 1911, highlights how Spanish immigrants, particularly in California’s agricultural sector, played a role in solving labor shortages and growing the fruit ranch industry [2].

General Manager of Fruit Distributors Frank B. McKevitt said: “Some three or more years ago, a considerable number of Spaniards came to this country, driven out of their native land by floods, severe drought, or failure of crops.”

He also stated, “These people drifted into the Vacaville section and found employment on the fruit ranches there. They are sturdy and industrious, most of them accustomed to agricultural pursuits in their own country. They were found to be good workmen, honest, and industrious and have been growing more popular with their employers every year.”

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Social impact

Despite political rhetoric at the time accusing Spain of sending unwanted anarchists, it’s clear from history that most Spanish immigrants were devout Catholics, which contributed to their social cohesion and helped them form lasting relationships in their communities.

Spanish immigrants played a key role in popularizing soccer in their communities. By the 1920s, Spanish immigrant groups had formed local soccer teams, such as the ‘Spaniards’ in St. Louis. These teams regularly competed with church and school-sponsored teams, helping to grow the sport in the Midwest.

» Learn more about the Carlist Wars, which prompted Spanish immigration

Tracing Spanish ancestry in the U.S.: 4 resources

When researching your Spanish roots, understanding the key cultural and historical factors that shaped naming conventions, immigration patterns, and community ties can provide invaluable context for your search.

Resource 1: Spanish naming conventions

Spanish surnames typically consist of a given name followed by two surnames: the father’s surname and the mother’s first surname. While the father’s surname is more commonly used in everyday life, the mother’s surname might appear in official or formal documents, such as legal records.

This practice is important when conducting your research as both surnames are relevant in finding accurate records.

Resource 2: Key regions for Spanish immigration (1900-1920)

During this period, immigrants often came from coastal regions such as Galicia, Valencia, and Catalonia due to economic hardship, political unrest, and the search for better opportunities abroad. These areas saw significant migration as families sought a better life in the Americas. When researching your Spanish family, look for records relating to these regions.

Resource 3: communities and cultural ties

Spanish immigrants settled in various parts of the U.S,. Key locations include Hawaii, California (specifically the cities mentioned), Ohio — especially around Cleveland — south St. Louis City, Gary, IN, Cherryvale, KS, Tampa, FL, Spelter, WV, and Donora, PA. If you see a listing in Minnesota, it is likely to be erroneous, so be cautious when encountering it.

Spanish immigrants often formed tight-knit communities. Look for local soccer teams like the Spaniards in St. Louis. You can also check for organizations dedicated to Spanish immigrants, such as the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America [3]. Publications from these organizations may include names that could lead to further family connections.

Resource 4: Spanish historical records

Spanish immigrants were predominantly Catholic, and baptism and marriage records were almost always meticulously recorded. Baptism records don’t provide the exact date of birth, but they offer a close approximation. Historically, families considered it important to have the baby baptized as soon as possible.

MyHeritage has a very large collection of accessible Catholic Church records, including those from churches in Spain. These records are an excellent starting point in your search for family information.

Depending on when your ancestor immigrated, you can find them in census records fairly quickly. Look for 1900, 1910, and 1920 census records, which are readily available on MyHeritage. These will be your first look at how your family was living once they arrived in the U.S.

A story of resilience and contribution

The early 1900s witnessed a significant wave of Spanish immigration to the U.S., driven by a confluence of factors, including economic hardship, political instability, and the allure of opportunity. These immigrants, facing arduous journeys and often challenging living conditions, demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

From the sugar cane fields of Hawaii to the industrial centers of the Midwest and the agricultural heartlands of California, they contributed significantly to the economic growth of their new home.

Beyond their labor, they enriched the cultural landscape, establishing vibrant communities, preserving their traditions, and sharing their passions, from the fervor of soccer to the solace of faith. Tracing their descendants today reveals a legacy of hard work, cultural pride, and enduring contributions to the diverse fabric of American society.