The Traqueros Monument Project is more than just a physical structure; it embodies a commitment, strength & pride.
The Traqueros Monument Project is more than just a physical structure; it embodies a commitment, strength & pride.
On May 5, 2021, the motion to build the Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument, the first monument on the Westside dedicated to honoring Mexican-American railroad workers, was officially approved by Los Angeles City Council .
Venice native and community organizer Laura Ceballos spearheaded the initiative to create this monument. She was inspired by the success of the Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument, which was installed in 2017, and felt compelled to ensure Venice’s Mexican American community was also recognized.
CD11 Councilmember Mike Bonin has put his full support behind the initiative and spoke passionatel
Located at the Venice Windward Circle, the monument will serve as a timeless tribute to the resilience and dedication of the Traqueros. Renowned Mexican.
The Venice Traquero Monument will honor ALL Mexican and Mexican Railroad Workers known as "Traqueros" who helped build the Main Railroad Transportation Systems and the Pacific Electric InterUrban Railway Systems throughout Los Angeles County.
The monument will be a bronze sculpture of a Traquero on a railroad track, holding his daughter's hand, his son on his shoulders, and his wife by his side. The bronze sculpture will be placed in the middle of a 23-foot-round diameter water fountain.
On the right, there will be a 25-foot pole with an American flag waving high above and the Mexican flag waving underneath. Approved by the LA City Council on 5/5/21 and praised by Dolores Huerta. The artist is Jorge Marin, a renowned Mexican Sculptor.
The monument set to be completed in 2025.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mexican and Mexican American laborers played a vital role in the construction of railroads across the United States, including in Los Angeles. These laborers, commonly referred to as "traqueros," were responsible for the arduous work of laying down rails and tracks that would serve as the backbone of the nation’s rapidly expanding transportation system.
The contribution of traqueros is often overlooked in mainstream history, yet they were pivotal in building the rail infrastructure that fueled economic growth and connected communities. Their work laid the foundation for many of the transportation systems still in use today, including major rail lines that linked Los Angeles to the rest of the country. Despite their crucial role, traqueros were typically paid low wages and subjected to harsh working conditions, often toiling for long hours in difficult and dangerous environments. The marginalization of these workers is reflective of broader social and economic inequalities faced by Mexican and Mexican American communities during this period.
To honor these forgotten laborers, a group of community organizers, led by Laura Ceballos, a veteran advocate, and José González, have undertaken a significant initiative to build a monument dedicated to the traqueros.
Their efforts, which began several years ago, received official support when the Venice Neighborhood Council approved the project in 2020, followed by the Los Angeles City Council’s approval in 2021. The monument, currently in the fundraising phase, will serve as a lasting tribute to the traqueros and their contributions to Mexican American and Los Angeles history.
Renowned sculptor Jorge Marín has been commissioned to create this important piece of public art. The monument will not only memorialize the vaqueros contributions but also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Mexican American community.
By recognizing the traqueros, the monument seeks to correct a historical oversight and honor the dignity of workers who, despite their essential role in building the city’s infrastructure, were long excluded from official narratives and celebrations of Los Angeles’ development.
Discover the historical significance of The Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument and its role in shaping the local community. Learn about the key events that took place here and the impact they had on the surrounding area.
Explore the stunning architectural features of The Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument, including its intricate details and unique design elements. Our experts will guide you through the history and significance of each feature.
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Windward Circle, Venice, California 90291, United States
Venice Community Resource Center 2554 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, California 90291, United States venicetraqueros@gmail.com
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