By Newt Gingrich and Alberto Acereda. The history of the United States includes a number of names and events that are little known among the general public and are directly related to the significant legacy of Hispanics in this country. The Hispanic history of the U.S. was forged by courageous figures such as Soto, Ponce de León, Coronado, Menéndez de Avilés and many others. It is time to highlight the events and honor the people who contributed to our rich culture and to explain the importance of the Spanish, and by extension, Hispanic role in the history of the United States.