Why does Idaho have a Basque?
Basques were initially drawn to Idaho by the discovery of silver, in settlements such as Silver City. Those that did not directly become involved in mining engaged in ranching, selling beef and lamb products to the miners.
Are there Basque in Boise?
Though there are larger populations of Basque-Americans in the United States, Boise’s is the most concentrated. There’s even a “Basque block” in downtown Boise with a museum, cultural center, restaurants and a market that holds a weekly community paella bake.
Why is there a Basque community in Boise?
Boise, in particular, was a region where the Basque people could let their culture thrive by herding sheep and operating boarding houses. The Basque people needed a safe place where they could thrive. More and more Basque people would move to Idaho, where they had already established a presence.
Where do Basques live in USA?
The largest number of Basque-Americans lives in California, but a high concentration can also be found in Idaho and Nevada; the Basques have left an indelible imprint on the cultures of those two states (Fun fact: Although Chile and Argentina have the largest Basque diaspora in absolute numbers, Boise, Idaho, has the …
What are Basque last names?
In fact, the most common surnames in the Basque Country are the very Castilian-sounding García, Fernández and González, according to Civil Registry records. The first Basque surname, Aguirre (alternatively spelled Agirre), shows up in 17th position.
What US city has the largest Basque population?
Boise, Idaho
Are Basque Americans Hispanic?
Are the Basques Spanish or French? The answer to all these very basic questions is NO. The Basques on both sides of the mountains come from the same culture, and they are neither Hispanic nor French.
Where are Basques located?
The Basque region is located in the southwest corner of France and spans across the northwest corner of Spain. Despite much struggle by the Basque people, the Basque region is not an independent nation; it is part of Spain and France, respectively.
Why did Basque immigrants find sheepherding difficult in Nevada?
Itinerant Basque sheepherders would allow their sheep to graze on the open public lands adjacent to settled cattle ranches. The 1934 Taylor Grazing Act clamped down on itinerant grazing practices and caused severe difficulties for those Basques who could not afford to purchase land of their own.
What is the Basque culture?
The Basque Country is a cross-border cultural region that has a distinctive culture including its own language, customs, festivals, and music. The Basques living in the territory are primarily represented by the symbol of the flag Ikurriña, as well as the Lauburu cross and the Zazpiak Bat coat of arms.
When did the Basque come to Nevada?
Basques have been living in Northern Nevada for over a century and form a population of several thousand. Basque immigrants first came in the mid-1800s during the Gold rush. The Basques have also been closely-tied to sheep herding in Nevada and neighboring states.
Where did the first Basque sheepherders in Nevada migrate from?
Some came directly from Basque regions in Spain and France, while others who had fled to Argentina to escape civil war in Spain in the 1830s made the trek north when the news of the gold discovery reached them in 1848.
Did Basque fishermen discover America?
Chronicles of the period indicate that Basques first came to North America in 1517, only seventeen years before French explorer, Jacques Cartier; however, some historians suggest they made the journey before Christopher Columbus in 1492. Whatever the case, the sixteenth century marked the golden era of Basque fishing.
Why did the Basque come to Nevada?
In the United States, Basques mostly settled in Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and California. They came to work in the gold mines across the American West, but found that they had better income hunting or raising sheep to sell as meat to the miners—and that set the groundwork for the next influx of Basque immigrants.
Where are Basque sheepherders from?
Today most of the sheep on the open range are gone as are their Basque herders. Most contemporary contract sheepherders today come from South American countries, primarily Peru and Chile.
Is there a Basque community in Wyoming?
The U.S. Census for 2000 lists 57,793 residents of this country with Basque origin. Of that number, 869 Basques live in Wyoming. The largest Basque population in the country is in California, with just over 20,000, and Idaho is next with 6,637. Nevada follows closely with 6,096 Basques.
Why are there so many Basques in Nevada?
Did the Basque discover America?