Learn about some of the Spaniards who made their mark on New York in this kid-friendly video!

Last week, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute presented the Royal Academy of History of Spain’s Biographical Dictionary for the first time ever in the Americas.

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Did you know that many Spaniards left a big footprint on the history of New York?

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Here are just a few:

1. José Francisco Navarro Arzac: A Spanish engineer and businessman who built the first elevated train in the world on 6th Avenue. He also built, among other buildings, the Navarro Apartment Houses.
2. Heraclio Alfaro: An aeronautical engineer and aviation pioneer who built the first US helicopters
3. Leonardo Torres Quevedo: He designed, among others, the Spanish Aero Car, a cable car that crossed Niagara Falls.
4. Rafael Guastavino: This architect left his mark on many iconic places in the Big Apple, such as Grand Central or Ellis Island.
5. Marcelino Orbés: Considered in his day the “best clown in the world.” He had great success in cities like London and New York.
6. La Carmencita: This dancer dazzled New Yorkers with her talent and skill. The records of the time speak of a true fandom, and all of New York wanted to look like her.

To discover more biographies of people from across the Hispanic world, visit: dbe.rah.es