When late nineteenth century land reform policies of Mexican dictator Porforio Diaz forced Yaquis from their homeland in Sonora, Mexico and threatened to kill them, the Yaqui people fled to Arizona. Anglos there were sympathetic to their plight as refugees and Yaquis were able to find a home in the Salt River Valley's agricultural economy. Catholic and Presbyterian missionaries also supported the community and helped secure land for a legal townsight in 1914.

Meanwhile, many corporations set up labor camps, or "company towns," the Salt River Valley Water User's Association established an exclusively Yaqui village that provided stability for the community. These factors, combined with self-identity, determination, and community consciousness placed the Yaqui community in a promising position for sustenance and longevity. By the 1960's, Guadalupe was no longer just a Yaqui community, but a Hispanic one as well. Whether by choice or proximity, they joined Mexican-Americans in their fight for political voice and economic improvements. Eventually, residents voted to incorporate the town in 1975.

In many ways, the history of the people of Guadalupe, Arizona is similar to other ethnic communities but it is unique and complex because of its Yaqui heritage and influence.*

*This information was excerpted from "The Story of Guadalupe Arizona" by Leah Glaser 1996