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Building Community: Mexican Americans The Columbia Basin Project and a military air base, established in 1942, drew many people to Moses Lake through the 1950s and 1960s. From the beginning, the success of farms in Moses Lake depended on agricultural laborers. Farmers enlisted the help of family, friends, and neighbors. They also employed a diverse group of migrant workers. Braceros on Driggs Farm, 1944. Man on left is Forbes Driggs. Photo courtesy of Nadine Driggs During World War II the need for farm labor became critical. The U.S. government reached an agreement with the Mexican government to allow U.S. employers to recruit Mexican workers in exchange for providing transportation, accommodations, living expenses, and labor contracts. The formal "bracero" program in the Northwest lasted until 1947, but Mexicans and Mexican Americans continued to migrate to the area to provide this essential seasonal labor. Many settled permanently in Moses Lake, finding work in construction, food processing plants, and as small business proprietors and professionals. By 1990, 18 percent of the town's population identified themselves as Hispanic, making up the largest ethnic group in the area. Four generations of the Hernandez family, 1994. Pictured with Jose are his daughter Rachel, his granddaughter Becky, and his great-grandson Robert. Hernandez came to Moses Lake in 1954. Photo courtesy of Studio C   forward Table of Contents <> Photo Archive Oral History Archive <> Documents Archive <> Bibliography To Top of Moses Lake Exhibit