Date of Award

2014-01-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

History

Advisor(s)

Yolanda Chavez Leyva

Abstract

Utilizing Concordia Cemetery as a framework, this study analyzes the social and economic development of El Paso County and the surrounding areas after the U.S.-Mexico War (1846-48). The cemetery was a vast commercialized zone before it was a burial ground, and silenced histories, voices, and people that lived and thrived on this land are incorporated into this work. The role of the original owners, Hugh Stephenson and Juana Maria Ascarate, as well as the Mexican networks, intermarriage and Mexican American women, and the presence of ethnic Mexicans are subjects that are also examined. In addition, this Dissertation interrogates the pioneer narrative and how the Concordia Heritage Association utilizes its power to produce historical narratives that emphasizes Anglo superiority and their contributions to the economic growth of the region, while they utilize this same power to silence certain aspects of the past.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

303 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Nancy Gonzalez

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