The “East Side” of Las Vegas: A Latinx Historical Framework

Abstract

Spanish heritage speakers in the United States are a reflection of everchanging linguistic and sociolinguistic pressures that result in myriad varieties across generations. This paper provides a preliminary historical framework to fill this gap of linguistic knowledge in the Spanish-speaking community of Las Vegas, Nevada. The goals were two-fold: (1) highlight the largest Spanish-speaking communities in Las Vegas and (2) explore the significance of the East Side in the history of the Latinx population of Las Vegas. Through the analysis of oral histories and historical works, the investigation highlights the Mexican, Salvadoran, and Cuban populations of Las Vegas and their connections to Sunrise Manor (Clark County, Nevada, USA), locally known as the “East Side,” where the majority of Spanish-speakers reside. This analysis reveals the “push” and “pull” factors that motivated the immigration patterns of these groups and highlights the significance of using oral history as a primary source to amplify the experiences of marginalized communities. The broader implications include using this research to inform teachers on the local heritage of the East Side and bring local history into the classroom. Future research may use this framework to investigate the linguistic diversity of the Latinx community on the East Side and explore other racial and heritage groups in the area.