Present-day smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border is a professional, often violent, criminal activity. However, it is only the latest chapter in a history of illicit business dealings that stretches back to 1848, when attempts by Mexico and the United States to tax commerce across the Rio Grande upset local trade and caused popular resentment.
This April, Dr. George Diaz will join the South Texas College Library to discuss the first history of smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border based on the research for his book Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling Across the Rio Grande.
Dr. Diaz will visit three of South Texas College’s campuses. On April 6th at 1:00 pm, he will visit the MidValley campus library, and at 6:00 pm, he will visit the Pecan campus library. To conclude his visit, Dr. Diaz will visit the Starr campus library on April 7th at 10:00 am. Following his discussion, there will be an opportunity to purchase his book and have the author sign it.
“The topic is very relevant to the news we hear every day, but it is fascinating to learn about how it happened historically for over 160 years,” said librarian Esther Garcia. “Dr. Diaz visit will help illuminate our border’s history.”
For more information on these events please contact Esther Garcia at (956) 872-6485 or egarcia10@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryevents. All events are free and open to the community.
