JACK LASSETER: Arizona’s Ethnic History

The settlement and development of early Territorial Arizona on this last frontier of the Old West is the story of not just a few, but of many different ethnic peoples. Their persistence and “true grit” helped shape this place with its uniquely Southwestern Culture. Arizona is historically a cattle ranching and mining state, and we are all familiar with the prominent role that Mexican and Texan ranchers and cowboys played in our cattle ranching history. Many are aware of the prominent role that Cornish, Slav, and Eastern European miners played in our mining history. However, Jewish, Mormon, and Chinese pioneers also played an important role in the development of this land. Here Jack gets to talk about their contributions to our state and tell a fascinating story that many are not familiar with.