Hispanic Heritage was first celebrated in the United States as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was established by legislation sponsored by Rep. George Brown Jr. and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. The week included the dates of September 15 and 16 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of various Latin American countries. Later, in 1988, the celebration was expanded to a full month, from September 15 to October 15, by legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan. Since 1989, it has been observed annually as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
