Welcome to American National Biography Online
The life of a nation is told by the lives of its people
- Over 19,000 biographies of significant, influential or notorious figures from American history written by prominent scholars
- Learn about our editors and the Letter from the General Editor Miroslava Chávez-García.
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Soledad Chávez Chacón
Soledad Chávez Chacón (1890–1936) broke barriers in New Mexico politics following the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment. She won election as secretary of state of New Mexico in 1922, making her not only one of the first two women elected to New Mexico state office but also the first hispaña elected to state office. She again made history in June 1924 when she became New Mexico’s first female acting governor.
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Selena
Selena (1971–1995), known as the Queen of Tejano Music, achieved a level of superstardom that rivalled any artist in the history of Latin music. Her hit albums Ven Conmingo (1991), Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), which contained her signature song “Como la flor,” and Amor Probibido (1994) revolutionized the genre. Her career and influence were on a dramatic ascent when she was murdered by the founder of her fan club at age 23. An outpouring of public grief occurred in the aftermath, a recognition of her role as a key figure of Latinx popular music and culture in the United States and abroad.
The March 2025 update of the American National Biography update features 31 revised essays and 44 retrospective images.
