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Versión en Español
Congressional Hispanic Conference Commemorates First Hispanic Representative
Portrait to Hang in US Capitol
 Members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference participated today in the
unveiling of the official portrait of Romualdo Pacheco, the first Hispanic U.S.
Representative.
Congressional Hispanic Conference Associate Member Jerry Weller (R-IL) requested
the commissioning of the portrait in a letter to House Administration Chairman
Bob Ney (R-OH), who was on hand for the unveiling. Accomplished artist Daniel
Greene, who painted the portrait, was also present to discuss his latest work.
"Mr. Pacheco was not only a Latino pioneer-he was an American pioneer," said
Rep. Weller. "I am proud to have a hand in honoring him today."
The ceremony took place in the House Administration Committee Hearing Room, and
will eventually be hung in the U.S. Capitol. In addition to Weller, other
Members of the Hispanic Conference participating in today's event were
Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Associate
Member Randy Neugebauer (R-TX).
"This portrait will remind us everyday of Congressman's Pacheco's determination
to motivate thousands of Hispanic Americans across the nation into the
realization of the American dream," said Ros-Lehtinen.
Pacheco, a Republican from California, was elected to the U.S. House in 1876 and
served three terms-including one as chairman of the Private Land Claims
Committee in the 47th Congress. His life was remarkable for many episodes apart
from his political career: he was a distinguished sea merchant, a senior Civil
War military officer, a prosperous landowner and rancher, and plenipotentiary
diplomat to the nations of Central America. Pacheco was orphaned when he was
five weeks old, and at one time served as California's first, and only, Hispanic
Governor.
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