09/05/2026
Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc.
Erie County Historical Commission
The Buffalo History Museum
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library
Lackawanna Oldies Lackawanna Spanish Welfare Association Hispanic United Of Buffalo Agustin "Pucho" Olivencia Community Center Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute
HISPANIC STEELWORKERS BUILT A PIECE OF WESTERN NEW YORK
When we talk about the history of the Lackawanna steel mills, we must also tell the story of the Hispanic men and women whose hard work helped build Western New York. Since the early 1900’s they came from Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and different parts from Latin & South America.
Beginning during the 1940s, Mexican workers came to Lackawanna to fill critical jobs at Bethlehem Steel HQ, Lackawanna, during a time of wartime labor shortages. In the years that followed, Puerto Rican families increasingly came to Western New York in search of opportunity, and many found employment in the steel mills, factories, railroads, and other industries.
They worked in some of the hottest, hardest, and most dangerous places in the plant. They endured long shifts, difficult working conditions, discrimination, and separation from the places they called home.
But they did more than work in the steel mills.
They built families.
They built neighborhoods.
They built businesses.
They built churches and community organizations.
They built a Hispanic presence that continues to shape Western New York today.
The story of Lackawanna's steel industry is not complete without the story of its Hispanic Bethlehem Steelworkers and Their Families and Friends
Their sweat, sacrifice, determination, and courage are part of the foundation upon which our community stands.
Hispanic Steelworkers helped build Western New York, and their legacy must never be forgotten.
— Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc.
