María Amparo Ruíz de Burton. 1832-1895

“Beautiful, articulate, well-educated, and charming, María Amparo Ruiz Burton was heiress to vast tracts of land in Mexico and the United States. As granddaughter of Don José Manuel Ruiz, commandant of the presidio in Baja California, and wife of Henry Stanton Burton, a Civil War general and national hero, her life spanned, and in many ways reflected, the turbulent period of transition in California from Mexican rule to statehood under the United States flag. María was a woman of remarkable talent, drive and foresight, qualities which served her well in these years of tension and turmoil. The pastoral lifestyle of the great ranchos was giving way under the ever increasing demands of the incoming Americans, eager for land, power and money. Legislation was passed which often favored unscrupulous newcomers. This had far-reaching effects as Hispanic families bowed to the various pressures facing them and their lands passed into American hands. María’s life became a microcosm of what was happening on a larger scale throughout all of California.” -San Diego History Center Website.

Dancer/Choreographer María José Castillo and historical figure María Amparo have some fascinating similarities. Not only do they share a name but a heritage as Mexican women married to American men AND a birthday… if 160 years apart! María Amparo was born on July 3, 1832 and María José was born on July 3, 1993.

To watch María José’s reinterpretation of María Amparo in María’s Place click the image.

“Interlaced, unrequited”

by Wren Polansky

In María Amparo’s 63 years of life the American Flag went through over 20 revisions. 25 stars at birth 43 stars by her death. “Interlaced, unrequited” depicts María José’s face but is meant to be María Amparo. Both women have felt torn between two cultures and two identities.

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