Amador Chinese Business Area, Amador County.
The Chinese
business area in the town of Amador was at the end of Hotel Alley. It consisted
of
one laundry. Reference: Sanborn Insurance Map 1912.
one laundry. Reference: Sanborn Insurance Map 1912.
Amador County Museum, Amador County.
Amador County
Museum is located at 225 Church Street in the City of Jackson. The museum
maintains exhibits of Chinese artifacts.
maintains exhibits of Chinese artifacts.
Buena Vista Store, Amador County.
Buena
Vista Store was originally built in 1850 in the community ofLancha Plana. The
structure,
made of stones, was part of the Lancha Plana Chinatown, located between Main Street and the
Mokelumne River. When Chinese miners discovered gold beneath its foundation, they made an
agreement with the building owner to relocate it six miles north to Buena Vista. Carrying the
stones one at a time, the miners rebuilt it between Buena Vista Road and the road from
Camanche Lake to Lake Amador near the town of lone. See Lanca Plana Chinatown, Amador
County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979a.
made of stones, was part of the Lancha Plana Chinatown, located between Main Street and the
Mokelumne River. When Chinese miners discovered gold beneath its foundation, they made an
agreement with the building owner to relocate it six miles north to Buena Vista. Carrying the
stones one at a time, the miners rebuilt it between Buena Vista Road and the road from
Camanche Lake to Lake Amador near the town of lone. See Lanca Plana Chinatown, Amador
County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979a.
Butte Store, Amador County.
Butte
Store, about three miles south of Jackson on Highway 49, is the only remaining
structure
of Butte City and its large Chinatown. The building was constructed by Chinese and features
stones and iron shutters from China. It is California Historical Landmark No. 39. Reference:
of Butte City and its large Chinatown. The building was constructed by Chinese and features
stones and iron shutters from China. It is California Historical Landmark No. 39. Reference:
Office of Historic
Preservation, 1990: 12.
Chew Kee Store, Amador County.
Chew
Kee Store, originally an herb shop, was constructed in 1850. It was built on
West Main
Street, community of Fiddletown, using the rammed earth technique that dates to 1500 B.C. in
China. The technique involves packing mud between wooden forms until it becomes as hard as
stone. Being prone to dissolve in the rain, the exterior walls are usually covered with wood, as
was done with the Chew Kee Store. The store was the home of Fong Chow You (Jimmy Chow),
the last descendant of the original Chinese of Fiddletown. He died in 1965 and is buried nearby.
Presently the structure is a museum. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference:
Street, community of Fiddletown, using the rammed earth technique that dates to 1500 B.C. in
China. The technique involves packing mud between wooden forms until it becomes as hard as
stone. Being prone to dissolve in the rain, the exterior walls are usually covered with wood, as
was done with the Chew Kee Store. The store was the home of Fong Chow You (Jimmy Chow),
the last descendant of the original Chinese of Fiddletown. He died in 1965 and is buried nearby.
Presently the structure is a museum. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference:
Lew
1984: 9; Lew 1977: 10; Wey 1977: 12: Wey 1988: 109-110; Zorbas 1997: 30,98-100.
Photo.
China City, Amador County.
China
City, an early Chinatown was about one mile above Whites Bar on the Mokelumne River in an area rich in placer gold. Reference: Gudde and
Gudde 1975: 71.
China Graveyard, Amador County.
China
Graveyard is near Church Street, City of Jackson. In operation between 1850 and 1910,
the cemetery was the site for the interment of deceased Chinese. Presently, the site is occupied
by city-owned buildings. See Jackson Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic
Preservation 1983a.
the cemetery was the site for the interment of deceased Chinese. Presently, the site is occupied
by city-owned buildings. See Jackson Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic
Preservation 1983a.
China Graveyard Road, Amador County.
China
Graveyard Road has an east-west orientation, connecting Jackson Gate Road and New
York Ranch Road in the City of Jackson. It was the approach to China Graveyard. See China
Graveyard, Amador County. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
York Ranch Road in the City of Jackson. It was the approach to China Graveyard. See China
Graveyard, Amador County. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
China Gulch, Amador County.
(1)
China Gulch was the site of a large Chinatown that flooded when Camanche
Reservoir was
created. The reservoir itself was originally a large open pit mine. See Little China Gulch,
Amador County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962c.
created. The reservoir itself was originally a large open pit mine. See Little China Gulch,
Amador County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962c.
(2)
China Gulch is one and three-quarter miles long with an intermittent stream
that flows north
to south just north of Butte City.It is about three miles northwest of Mokelumne Hill. See China
Gulch Hill, Amador County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949d.
to south just north of Butte City.It is about three miles northwest of Mokelumne Hill. See China
Gulch Hill, Amador County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949d.
China Gulch Hill, Amador County.
China
Gulch Hill, near Volcano, was a hydraulic mining operation that was active in
the 1860's.
Its yield was moderate and soon abandoned. Reference: Gudde and Gudde 1975: 71.
Its yield was moderate and soon abandoned. Reference: Gudde and Gudde 1975: 71.
China Gulch Trail, Amador County.
China Gulch Trail in the
community of Sutter Creek has an east-west orientation. Located in a
gold mining area, the road is west of Hanford Street off Amador Trail. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
gold mining area, the road is west of Hanford Street off Amador Trail. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
China Street, Amador County.
China Street in the community of
Drytown parallels Main Street and connects Highway 49 and
Main Street. China Street formed the center of Drytown Chinatown. See Drytown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Compass Maps 1997. |
Chinese Adobe Building, Amador County.
Built in 1850 on West Main Street in the community of Fiddletown, the large
structure (24 x 27
feet) is made of adobe bricks. Of note is its compacted earth ceiling. It is one of the last buildings of Fiddletown Chinatown. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1978a. |
Chinese Brick Store, Amador County.
Built in 1850 at West Main Street
in Fiddletown, Chinese Brick Store is a two story brick-
covered, stone-walled store. The walls consists of schist-mud lime mortar. It is one of the few remaining structures of Fiddletown Chinatown. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1978b. |
Chinese Gambling House, Amador County.
Chinese Gambling House on West
Main Street in Fiddletown dates to 1855. Its longevity may
be attributed to its brick and stone construction=resistance to fire was an important consideration in the early days. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Nadeau 1992: 83. |
Drytown Chinatown, Amador County.
Drytown Chinatown, centered around China Street, was in the
community of Drytown. It was
a booming place that lasted as long as the gold in the nearby area. See China Street, Amador County. Reference: Zorbas 1997: 95. |
Fiddletown
Chinatown, Amador County.
Fiddletown Chinatown covered most
of the southwest portion of Fiddletown with West Main
Street as its center. By 1880, about 45 percent of Fiddletown's population was Chinese with one- half working as miners. Presently, there are four buildings associated with the Chinese. The state has identified all of the structures as historically significant. The two that are well preserved and restored are the Chew Kee Herb Store and Chinese Gambling House. The other two, known simply as the Chinese brick store and Chinese adobe building, are to be renovated. See Chew Kee Herb Store, Amador County; Chinese Adobe Building, Amador County; Chinese Brick Store, Amador County; Chinese Gambling House. Reference: Nadeau 1992: 83; Zorbas 1997: 30, 101. |
Fiddletown Chinese Cemetery, Amador County.
Fiddletown Chinese Cemetery was located on the edge of
Fiddletown. It was abandoned in 1917
when the last occupant was disinterred. See Fiddletown Chinatown, Amador County. Reference:Zorbas 1997: 30, 101. Maps 1997. |
lone
Chinese Business Area, Amador County.
The
Chinese business area in the town of Ione was on the west side of Preston Avenue next to Sutter
Creek. In 1898, it had one laundry and one dwelling. Reference: Sanborn Insurance Map 1898a.
Jackson Chinatown, Amador County.
Jackson
Chinatown was on Main Street between California and Fletcher Alley in the City of Jackson. Dating from
the 1850s, much of it was destroyed by a flood on Jackson Creek in 1878. Presently, it is the site of a parking lot. See China
Graveyard, Amador County; Jackson Chinatown Joss House, Amador County. Reference: Office of
Historic Preservation
1983b.
Jackson Chinatown Joss House, Amador County.
Jackson
Chinatown Joss House in the City of Jackson was located west of Main Street. A flood in 1878
destroyed the structure and it was rebuilt on the same site around 1890. By 1912, it was no longer in use. See Jackson
Chinatown, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1983b.
Lancha Plana Chinatown, Amador County.
Lancha
Plana Chinatown was the home of several hundred Chinese miners between 1855 and
1860. See Buena Vista Store, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979b.
1860. See Buena Vista Store, Amador County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979b.
Little China Gulch, Amador County.
This
stream and valley is due west of China Gulch and is two and one-half miles in
length. When
Camanche Reservoir filled with water, Little China Gulch flooded about one-quarter mile up the
valley, while China Gulch was completely inundated. See China Gulch, Amador County.
Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962c.
Camanche Reservoir filled with water, Little China Gulch flooded about one-quarter mile up the
valley, while China Gulch was completely inundated. See China Gulch, Amador County.
Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962c.
Ming's Store, Amador County.
Ming's
Store was
in the town of Plymouth. The building that housed the store was built in 1880.
See Plymouth Chinatown, Amador County.
See Plymouth Chinatown, Amador County.
Plymouth Chinatown, Amador County.
Plymouth Chinatown was
in the community
of Plymouth in the 1890's. Reference: Zorbas 1997:
95.
95.
Sing Kee Store, Amador County.
Sing
Kee Store was in the town of Volcano. The store, on Main Street, was reportedly
built in
1854. See Volcano Chinatown, Amador County.
1854. See Volcano Chinatown, Amador County.
Volcano Chinatown, Amador County.
Volcano
Chinatown supplied the Chinese laborers who worked in the gold mines of the
area.
Volcano was one of the first placer gold sites in Amador County with the initial discovery
occurring in 1849. Once the placer deposits were exhausted, tunnel and shaft mining became
important. By 1855, the area was characterized by its hydraulic mining. Reference: Nadeau 1992:
78-83.
Volcano was one of the first placer gold sites in Amador County with the initial discovery
occurring in 1849. Once the placer deposits were exhausted, tunnel and shaft mining became
important. By 1855, the area was characterized by its hydraulic mining. Reference: Nadeau 1992:
78-83.
Butte County
Ah Moon
Bar, Butte County.
Ah Moon Bar was on the North
Fork of the
Feather River
near Big Bend. The
Chinese were
thought to have worked the placer gold deposit. Reference: Dunn 1977: 2; Gudde and Gudde
1975: 14.
thought to have worked the placer gold deposit. Reference: Dunn 1977: 2; Gudde and Gudde
1975: 14.
Butte County Rock Fences, Butte County.
Butte County has a network of stone fences often
considered to have been built by Chinese. The
fences usually enclose foothill grazing land although they could have other purposes. Building
of a fence involved laborers carrying stones in baskets attached to wooden yokes slung their
shoulders to the building site. The stones were then stacked one atop another to a height of fences usually enclose foothill grazing land although they could have other purposes. Building
of a fence involved laborers carrying stones in baskets attached to wooden yokes slung their
several feet. This meant a fence thickness of two or more feet. One such fence was constructed
by the Chinese on the northwest side of Hell Town along Butte Creek Canyon. Its purpose was to separate them from the non-Chinese of the town. The rock fences are now protected by county
statutes. See Bok Kai Chinese Wall Memorial, Yuba County; Great Wall of China, Mariposa
County; Helltown China Town, Butte County. Reference: Book 1976: 18,44.
Centerville China Town, Butte County.
There
was a large settlement of Chinese in Centerville that formed China Town, officially
spelled as two words. Centerville was once known as Diamondville. This is of note because
Diamondville laws of 1875 stated that no Chinese could mine on Butte Creek above the head of
the Diamondville Ditch or hold claims above that point. Reference: Dunn 1977: 23.
spelled as two words. Centerville was once known as Diamondville. This is of note because
Diamondville laws of 1875 stated that no Chinese could mine on Butte Creek above the head of
the Diamondville Ditch or hold claims above that point. Reference: Dunn 1977: 23.
Chico Museum, Butte County.
Chico Museum at 141 Salem Street, City of Chico, has the altar from a temple in the Chico New Chinatown on permanent display. See Chico New Chinatown, Butte County.
Chico
New Chinatown,
Butte County.
Chico New Chinatown was located on Main Street between Seventh Street
and Ninth Street in
the City of Chico. It resulted from the crowded conditions in Chico Old Chinatown. Chico New
Chinatown had three laundries, a school, joss house and shirt factory by 1884. The new
settlement was particularly notable because of the attempts to destroy it. A widespread economic
depression caused many non-Chinese to believe that the Chinese were taking jobs away from
them. Anti-Chinese activities increased to the point of two separate arson attempts, the killing
of four Chinese and the wounding of two others. Twelve non-Chinese were arrested with four
being sentenced to prison for their role in the disturbances. All evidence of Chico New
Chinatown was gone by 1974. See Chico Old Chinatown, Butte County. Reference: Pricer 1996:
31,37-38; McGowan 1961: 325-326; Sanborn Insurance Map 1884a.
the City of Chico. It resulted from the crowded conditions in Chico Old Chinatown. Chico New
Chinatown had three laundries, a school, joss house and shirt factory by 1884. The new
settlement was particularly notable because of the attempts to destroy it. A widespread economic
depression caused many non-Chinese to believe that the Chinese were taking jobs away from
them. Anti-Chinese activities increased to the point of two separate arson attempts, the killing
of four Chinese and the wounding of two others. Twelve non-Chinese were arrested with four
being sentenced to prison for their role in the disturbances. All evidence of Chico New
Chinatown was gone by 1974. See Chico Old Chinatown, Butte County. Reference: Pricer 1996:
31,37-38; McGowan 1961: 325-326; Sanborn Insurance Map 1884a.
Chico Old Chinatown, Butte County.
Chico Old Chinatown was located on Flume
Street between
East Fifth Street and East Sixth
Street in the City of Chico by about 1865. The structures of Chico Old Chinatown were built
literally touching one another. This meant that there was no room for connecting stairs or
hallways. As a result, the buildings were connected through their basements by portals. Initially the portals or tunnels were not used as living space, merely passage ways. A continued increase
Street in the City of Chico by about 1865. The structures of Chico Old Chinatown were built
literally touching one another. This meant that there was no room for connecting stairs or
hallways. As a result, the buildings were connected through their basements by portals. Initially the portals or tunnels were not used as living space, merely passage ways. A continued increase
in the population of Chico Old Chinatown apparently resulted in the tunnels
becoming living
quarters. Some overcrowding was alleviated by the development of Chico New Chinatown. See
Chico New Chinatown, Butte County. Reference: Pricer 1996: 30-31
quarters. Some overcrowding was alleviated by the development of Chico New Chinatown. See
Chico New Chinatown, Butte County. Reference: Pricer 1996: 30-31
China Gulch, Butte County.
The
stream that flows through China Gulch empties into North Fork of the Feather River.
Reference: Dunn 1977: 23; United States Geological Survey 1970.
Reference: Dunn 1977: 23; United States Geological Survey 1970.
China Switch Station, Butte County.
China
Switch Station, Chico Creek, is a flume-tender station on the Sierra Flume and
Lumber
Company flume. The tender would make sure that the logs were moving properly as well as
make repairs to the flume. Reference: Dunn 1977: 23.
Company flume. The tender would make sure that the logs were moving properly as well as
make repairs to the flume. Reference: Dunn 1977: 23.
China Wall, Butte County.
Built
by Chinese laborers in 1892, China wall was also known as McLaughlin Wall, McLaughlin
being the one who had it built. The structure is six to seven miles in length and runs along the
northeast bank of the Feather River. Of stone masonry construction, in places it is 20 feet high
with a base of 20 feet. The top is from six to eight feet in width. The wall was used to divert the
flow of the Feather River so gold could be dredged from its bed. Unknown to McLaughlin, the
miners of 1849 had already removed all the gold from the stream bed using a similar strategy.
China Wall was submerged when the Oroville Dam was build. Today, portions of the wall are
visible only when the dam's water level is very low. Reference: Talbitzer: 19, 77-79.
being the one who had it built. The structure is six to seven miles in length and runs along the
northeast bank of the Feather River. Of stone masonry construction, in places it is 20 feet high
with a base of 20 feet. The top is from six to eight feet in width. The wall was used to divert the
flow of the Feather River so gold could be dredged from its bed. Unknown to McLaughlin, the
miners of 1849 had already removed all the gold from the stream bed using a similar strategy.
China Wall was submerged when the Oroville Dam was build. Today, portions of the wall are
visible only when the dam's water level is very low. Reference: Talbitzer: 19, 77-79.
Chinees Camp, Butte County.
This is an unusual
spelling for Chinese Camp in the community of Helltown. Eventually, it
officially became Helltown China Town. See Helltown China Town, Butte County; Chinese
Camp, Butte County. Reference: Gudde and Gudde 1975: 71.
officially became Helltown China Town. See Helltown China Town, Butte County; Chinese
Camp, Butte County. Reference: Gudde and Gudde 1975: 71.
Chinese Camp, Butte County.
This was an alternate name for Helltown China Town, Butte County. See Helltown China Town,
This was an alternate name for Helltown China Town, Butte County. See Helltown China Town,
Butte
County. Reference: Gudde and Gudde 1975: 71.
Diamondville Chinese Cemetery, Butte County.
Originally
known as Rich Bar and later Goatville, the town took the name Diamondville
after
James Diamond. The Diamondville name dates to at least 1877. Nearby, an abandoned Chinese
cemetery is evident. See Centerville China Town, Butte County. Reference: Dunn 1977: 32.
James Diamond. The Diamondville name dates to at least 1877. Nearby, an abandoned Chinese
cemetery is evident. See Centerville China Town, Butte County. Reference: Dunn 1977: 32.
East China Point, Butte County.
East
China Point is a ridge that runs in a northeast-southwest direction and is about one mile
in length.
Reference: United States Geological Survey 1980.
Reference: United States Geological Survey 1980.
Gibsonville Chinatown, Butte County.
Gibsonville Chinatown was located at the north end of
Main Street on a side street to the east
in the community of Gibsonville. Gibsonville Chinatown contained residences, a bunk house and store.
The Chinese residents worked primarily in the mines of the area. The site was
eventually buried by tailings from the hydraulic mining of Whisky Flat and Whiskey
Diggings. Reference: Pricer
1996: 57.
Oroville Chinatown, Butte County.
Oroville Chinatown, Butte County.
Oroville Chinatown in the City
of Oroville was along Broderick Street on the south side of the
Feather River. In 1884, there was one laundry, one restaurant, one gambling house, five stores,
a joss house and about twenty dwellings. By 1890, it had expanded to both sides of Broderick
Street and included two more joss houses, a theater, another laundry and three more dwellings.
It continued to grow, adding more dwellings and a Chinese Masonic Hall in 1902. See Oroville
Cemetery, Butte County; Oroville Chinese Temple, Butte County. Reference: Sanborn Insurance
Map 1884b, 1890b, 1902a.
Feather River. In 1884, there was one laundry, one restaurant, one gambling house, five stores,
a joss house and about twenty dwellings. By 1890, it had expanded to both sides of Broderick
Street and included two more joss houses, a theater, another laundry and three more dwellings.
It continued to grow, adding more dwellings and a Chinese Masonic Hall in 1902. See Oroville
Cemetery, Butte County; Oroville Chinese Temple, Butte County. Reference: Sanborn Insurance
Map 1884b, 1890b, 1902a.
Oroville Chinese Cemetery, Butte County.
Oroville
Chinese Cemetery is located on Feather River Highway about eight-tenths of a
mile
south of Oro Dam Boulevard in the City of Oroville. It is surrounded on three sides by gravel
tailings from nearby mining. As was common in the early days, the cemetery was for temporary
interment only. Accordingly, only a few Chinese remain interred today. Each grave was
originally covered by a slab of white granite and outlined with red bricks bearing Chinese
writing. A second cemetery across the street acted as a holding area when the main one was at
capacity. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1976: 192; Pricer 1996: 47-48.
south of Oro Dam Boulevard in the City of Oroville. It is surrounded on three sides by gravel
tailings from nearby mining. As was common in the early days, the cemetery was for temporary
interment only. Accordingly, only a few Chinese remain interred today. Each grave was
originally covered by a slab of white granite and outlined with red bricks bearing Chinese
writing. A second cemetery across the street acted as a holding area when the main one was at
capacity. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1976: 192; Pricer 1996: 47-48.
Oroville Chinese Temple, Butte County.
Oroville
Chinese Temple is actually Liet Sheng Kong, the Temple of Assorted Deities. It
is
located on the bank of the Feather River in the City of Oroville. Built in 1863, it consisted of a
temple, a storehouse and a theater. Additional temples and buildings were added through the
years until a flood in 1907 caused considerable damage. The property was given to the city in
1937 and opened to the public in 1949 after restoration work by community members. Today,
one finds the main temple (built for Taoists in 1863), the Moon Temple (constructed for
Buddhists in 1868) and the Chan Room for Confucians (built in 1874). Newer facilities include
a display hall, memorial pavilion, garden courtyard and reconstructed living quarters of a
Chinese miner, circa the 1800's. The temple complex is California Historical Landmark No. 770
and is on the National Register of Historic Places. See Oroville Chinatown, Butte County.
Reference: "Chinese Temple..."; "Guide ..."; Office of Historic Preservation 1976.
located on the bank of the Feather River in the City of Oroville. Built in 1863, it consisted of a
temple, a storehouse and a theater. Additional temples and buildings were added through the
years until a flood in 1907 caused considerable damage. The property was given to the city in
1937 and opened to the public in 1949 after restoration work by community members. Today,
one finds the main temple (built for Taoists in 1863), the Moon Temple (constructed for
Buddhists in 1868) and the Chan Room for Confucians (built in 1874). Newer facilities include
a display hall, memorial pavilion, garden courtyard and reconstructed living quarters of a
Chinese miner, circa the 1800's. The temple complex is California Historical Landmark No. 770
and is on the National Register of Historic Places. See Oroville Chinatown, Butte County.
Reference: "Chinese Temple..."; "Guide ..."; Office of Historic Preservation 1976.
Patrick Place, Butte County.
Patrick
Place was south of the City of Chico on Durham Road. A site of Chinese
vegetable
farming, it provided produce to the nearby city. The garden was owned communally by as many
as 40-60 Chinese who leased the land. It continued into the early 1900's. Reference: Pricey 1996:
39.
farming, it provided produce to the nearby city. The garden was owned communally by as many
as 40-60 Chinese who leased the land. It continued into the early 1900's. Reference: Pricey 1996:
39.
Sing Kee Store, Butte County.
Sing
Kee Store was located in the community of Clipper Mills. Apparently, it was a
general
merchandise store providing goods to the Chinese laborers and miners of the Marysville-La Porte
area in the 1890's. Reference: Pricey 1996: 51.
merchandise store providing goods to the Chinese laborers and miners of the Marysville-La Porte
area in the 1890's. Reference: Pricey 1996: 51.
South China Mountain, Butte County.
South
China Mountain is about 17 miles southeast of the community of Etna and is
about one
mile south of China Mountain. It is 8,200 feet above sea level. Reference: United States
Geological Survey 1955.
mile south of China Mountain. It is 8,200 feet above sea level. Reference: United States
Geological Survey 1955.
Susanville Chinatown, Butte County.
Susanville
Chinatown in the community of Susanville had a large Chinese population through
the 1880s and 1890s. It contained numerous residences and a joss house. The residents worked
the 1880s and 1890s. It contained numerous residences and a joss house. The residents worked
as laborers and miners.
Reference: Pricer 1996: 52.
West China Point, Butte County.
West China Point is located
about one and one-half miles from Stirling City. The Point is actually a ridge that extends in a southwest manner for about one mile. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1979c.
|
EI
Dorado County Historical Museum, EI Dorado County.
El
Dorado County Historical Museum at 104 Placerville Drive, City of Placerville,
has Chinese
artifacts on display.
artifacts on display.
Fanny
Creek Chinese Cemetery, EI Dorado County.
Fanny
Creek Chinese Cemetery is three-quarters of a mile due south of China Mountain.
Being
near the mountain and creek, the site's feng shui makes for a proper burial place. See China
Mountain, EI Dorado County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949c.
near the mountain and creek, the site's feng shui makes for a proper burial place. See China
Mountain, EI Dorado County. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949c.
Lotus, EI Dorado County.
Lotus
is a small community
on Highway 49. Its name suggests a relationship between the town
and the Chinese. Yet, a closer look shows it was originally known as Marshall, being named after
James W. Marshall in 1849. The name was changed in 1850 to Uniontown in honor of California
becoming a part of the United States. To avoid confusion with a community in Humboldt County
that had earlier been named Unionville, the United States Postal Service changed the town's
name to Lotus. Reference: Hoover 1990: 82.
and the Chinese. Yet, a closer look shows it was originally known as Marshall, being named after
James W. Marshall in 1849. The name was changed in 1850 to Uniontown in honor of California
becoming a part of the United States. To avoid confusion with a community in Humboldt County
that had earlier been named Unionville, the United States Postal Service changed the town's
name to Lotus. Reference: Hoover 1990: 82.
Shanghai
Way, EI Dorado County.
Shanghai
Way parallels Coloma Road (Highway 49) in the town of Placerville between
Combellak Road and Baker Road. There has been gold mining throughout the area. Reference:
Combellak Road and Baker Road. There has been gold mining throughout the area. Reference:
Compass
Maps 1995.
Wah Hop Store, EI Dorado County.
Wah
Hop Store was built in 1851 on Main Street in the community of Coloma and was a
part
of Coloma Chinatown. The structure is made of local rock with adobe mortar. The store
specialized in herbs and dry goods while acting as a message center and post office. Now
restored, the building was reopened to the public in 1958 and is part of the Marshall Gold
Discovery State Historic Park. See Coloma Chinatown, EI Dorado County; Wan Lee Store, EI
Dorado County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979d; Website 1999.
of Coloma Chinatown. The structure is made of local rock with adobe mortar. The store
specialized in herbs and dry goods while acting as a message center and post office. Now
restored, the building was reopened to the public in 1958 and is part of the Marshall Gold
Discovery State Historic Park. See Coloma Chinatown, EI Dorado County; Wan Lee Store, EI
Dorado County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979d; Website 1999.
Wan
Lee Store, El Dorado County.
Wan
Lee Store is one of the last reminders of Coloma Chinatown in the community of
Coloma.
Located near Wah Hop Store on Main Street, the store sold general merchandise. It began in
1860 when Wan Lee entered into a lease agreement with the building's owner. Today, the store
houses an exhibit of gold mining techniques and is part of Marshall Gold Discovery State
Historic Park. See Coloma Chinatown, EI Dorado County; Wah Hop Store, El Dorado County.
Reference: Lew 1977: 11.
Located near Wah Hop Store on Main Street, the store sold general merchandise. It began in
1860 when Wan Lee entered into a lease agreement with the building's owner. Today, the store
houses an exhibit of gold mining techniques and is part of Marshall Gold Discovery State
Historic Park. See Coloma Chinatown, EI Dorado County; Wah Hop Store, El Dorado County.
Reference: Lew 1977: 11.
Madera County
Borden Chinatown, Madera County.
Borden
Chinatown had about 1,500 Chinese who arrived in the community of Borden
in
the 1870's. Most were railroad laborers. Borden Chinatown started to decline when a great
number of Chinese left to build a flume near the town of Madera. By the mid-twentieth century,
only a few Chinese remained, mostly of Fayuan origin. See Madera Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Bulletin 1992: 2.
the 1870's. Most were railroad laborers. Borden Chinatown started to decline when a great
number of Chinese left to build a flume near the town of Madera. By the mid-twentieth century,
only a few Chinese remained, mostly of Fayuan origin. See Madera Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Bulletin 1992: 2.
Chew Grade, Madera County.
Chew
Grade was a section of a flume that passed over land leased to Ah Chew, a
Chinese tenant
farmer. This section of the flume was used to move partially-milled timber from the Madera-
Sugar Pine sawmill to Salt Springs, the first stop on the trip to the town of Madera. The sawmill
started in 1900 and employed many Chinese workers until 1918, when most of them were
replaced by laborers from other ethnic groups. See Sugar Pine Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Johnston 1968: 35.
farmer. This section of the flume was used to move partially-milled timber from the Madera-
Sugar Pine sawmill to Salt Springs, the first stop on the trip to the town of Madera. The sawmill
started in 1900 and employed many Chinese workers until 1918, when most of them were
replaced by laborers from other ethnic groups. See Sugar Pine Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Johnston 1968: 35.
China Creek, Madera County.
(1)
China Creek, near Oakhurst, is about five and one-half miles in length and
flows into the
Fresno River. It is in the Southern Mines Region. Chinese miners moved from the Northern
Mines Region southward as the gold disappeared. The first strikes were in places such as
Oakhurst, Coarse Gold Creek, Grub Gulch and Fine Gold Creek. In fact, the Chinese were
panning for gold at Coarse Gold in 1854. The lesser amounts of gold in the southern portion
caused a continual movement southward into the Kern River/Tehachapi area. Reference:
Fresno River. It is in the Southern Mines Region. Chinese miners moved from the Northern
Mines Region southward as the gold disappeared. The first strikes were in places such as
Oakhurst, Coarse Gold Creek, Grub Gulch and Fine Gold Creek. In fact, the Chinese were
panning for gold at Coarse Gold in 1854. The lesser amounts of gold in the southern portion
caused a continual movement southward into the Kern River/Tehachapi area. Reference:
Theodoratus 1984:
277-278.
(2)
China Creek is a three-mile long stream flowing east to west and is about three
miles west
of Bass Lake in the Sierra National Forest. There is evidence of mining and timber cutting in the
area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1990a.
of Bass Lake in the Sierra National Forest. There is evidence of mining and timber cutting in the
area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1990a.
China Creek Road, Madera County.
China
Creek Road is located in the area of Fresno Flats and has a north-south
orientation. It ends
at Crane Valley Road. China Creek Road crosses China Creek in its southerly portion. See (1) China
Creek, Madera County. Reference: Compass Maps 1994.
at Crane Valley Road. China Creek Road crosses China Creek in its southerly portion. See (1) China
Creek, Madera County. Reference: Compass Maps 1994.
China Garden, Madera County.
China
Garden is a one-half mile wide by one-mile long area on the south side of the
Fresno River
northeast of Madera Lake. The good river-deposited soil, supply of fresh water, an unimproved
dirt road that circles the area and the placename suggests that the area may well have been a
vegetable garden operated by Chinese. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962b.
northeast of Madera Lake. The good river-deposited soil, supply of fresh water, an unimproved
dirt road that circles the area and the placename suggests that the area may well have been a
vegetable garden operated by Chinese. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962b.
China Slough, Madera County.
China
Slough is a three-mile long intermittent stream paralleling the Fresno River
just south of
China Garden. See China Garden, Madera County. Reference: United States Geological Survey
1962b.
China Garden. See China Garden, Madera County. Reference: United States Geological Survey
1962b.
China Wells, Madera County.
China
Wells is located 16 miles from the community of Sugar Pine. It is next to the
flume used
to move timber from the Sugar Pine mill and was a favorite site for flume rides. When
the flume was not being used to move timber, people traveled down it in a flume boat, often
reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour. Reference: Johnston 1968: 37, 53; United States
Geological Survey 1990b.
to move timber from the Sugar Pine mill and was a favorite site for flume rides. When
the flume was not being used to move timber, people traveled down it in a flume boat, often
reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour. Reference: Johnston 1968: 37, 53; United States
Geological Survey 1990b.
Lower China Crossing, Madera County.
This
may have
been an early name for what became Lower China Store. See Lower China
Store,
Madera County.
Madera County.
Lower China Store, Madera County.
Lower
China Store in Hidden Valley, was in operation from the 1860's to 1885. Owned by Ah
Sun, the adobe structure was expanded by the addition of more rooms and a blacksmith shop.
Ah Sun and the store served the needs of the Chinese, Native Americans and Anglo settlers in
the gold fields of the Southern Mines. Reference: Langenwalter 1980: 103.
Sun, the adobe structure was expanded by the addition of more rooms and a blacksmith shop.
Ah Sun and the store served the needs of the Chinese, Native Americans and Anglo settlers in
the gold fields of the Southern Mines. Reference: Langenwalter 1980: 103.
Madera Chinatown, Madera County.
Madera
Chinatown, town of Madera, became a reality when many Chinese laborers relocated
from Borden Chinatown. The move was prompted by the need for laborers for the construction
of a flume that was 54 miles long. The flume was used to bring logs down from the Sierras. See Chew
Grade, Madera County; China Wells, Madera County; Sugar Pine Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Bulletin 1992: 2.
from Borden Chinatown. The move was prompted by the need for laborers for the construction
of a flume that was 54 miles long. The flume was used to bring logs down from the Sierras. See Chew
Grade, Madera County; China Wells, Madera County; Sugar Pine Chinatown, Madera County.
Reference: Bulletin 1992: 2.
Sing Peak, Madera County.
Sing
Peak, named in 1899,
honors Tie Sing, a Chinese cook with the United States Geological
Survey. He worked for the Survey from 1888 until 1918 when he was killed in an accident in the
field. The peak extends 10,522 feet above sea level and is part of the boundary between
Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest. Reference: Browning 1986: 20l.
Survey. He worked for the Survey from 1888 until 1918 when he was killed in an accident in the
field. The peak extends 10,522 feet above sea level and is part of the boundary between
Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest. Reference: Browning 1986: 20l.
Spangle Gold Creek Chinatown,
Madera County.
Spangle
Gold Creek Chinatown had a Chinese population of about 2,000 in the late 1860's. The
community was located on the creek near where it flows into the Fresno River, about five miles
west of Coarse Gold. Like the gold, Spangle Gold Creek Chinatown has long since disappeared.
Reference: Theodoratus 1984: 278.
community was located on the creek near where it flows into the Fresno River, about five miles
west of Coarse Gold. Like the gold, Spangle Gold Creek Chinatown has long since disappeared.
Reference: Theodoratus 1984: 278.
Sugar Pine Chinatown, Madera County.
Sugar
Pine Chinatown was located within the company town of Sugar Pine. Sugar Pine itself was
owned and operated by the Madera Sugar Pine Company. Hundreds of workers lived in the larger
town with the Chinese establishing a living area next to it. The Chinatown was in existence from
the late 1800's to 1933 when the company closed the entire operation because of the Great
Depression. Reference: Theodoratus 1984: 303-304.
Mormon Bar, Mariposa County.
owned and operated by the Madera Sugar Pine Company. Hundreds of workers lived in the larger
town with the Chinese establishing a living area next to it. The Chinatown was in existence from
the late 1800's to 1933 when the company closed the entire operation because of the Great
Depression. Reference: Theodoratus 1984: 303-304.
Mariposa County
Bear Valley Chinese, Mariposa County.
Located
on present-day
Highway 49, Bear Valley
is another reminder of the very early Chinese
presence in the Gold Country. A plaque placed by Matuca Chapter 1849 ofE. Clampus Vitus in
1985 states, "First caIIed Johnsonville, Bear Valley had a large population that included Chinese,
Cornish and Mexicans. During 1850-60 when Col. John C. Fremont's Ride Tree and Josephine
Mines were producing, Fremont's elegant hotel, Oso House, was built with lumber brought
around the Horn. It no longer stands. After fire in 1888, structures were rebuilt. Some still
standing are Bon Ton Saloon, Trabucco Store, Odd Fellows Hall, schoolhouse, and remains of
the jail. All reminders of Bear Valley's colorful past." Bear Valley is California Historic
Landmark No. 331. Reference: Johnson 1995: 14.
presence in the Gold Country. A plaque placed by Matuca Chapter 1849 ofE. Clampus Vitus in
1985 states, "First caIIed Johnsonville, Bear Valley had a large population that included Chinese,
Cornish and Mexicans. During 1850-60 when Col. John C. Fremont's Ride Tree and Josephine
Mines were producing, Fremont's elegant hotel, Oso House, was built with lumber brought
around the Horn. It no longer stands. After fire in 1888, structures were rebuilt. Some still
standing are Bon Ton Saloon, Trabucco Store, Odd Fellows Hall, schoolhouse, and remains of
the jail. All reminders of Bear Valley's colorful past." Bear Valley is California Historic
Landmark No. 331. Reference: Johnson 1995: 14.
China Bar, Mariposa County.
China Bar is at the
upper end of Mammoth Pool near the North Fork of the San Joaquin River
inlet in the Sierra National Forest. Located a little south of the Mother Lode, the area saw limited
prospecting and mining. Still, a map dated 1887 depicts a mine in the area. It is thought that the
placename memorializes a Chinese who was deliberately killed while crossing the pool. His boat
was capsized with the intent of stealing his claim. Reference: Popelish 1995.
inlet in the Sierra National Forest. Located a little south of the Mother Lode, the area saw limited
prospecting and mining. Still, a map dated 1887 depicts a mine in the area. It is thought that the
placename memorializes a Chinese who was deliberately killed while crossing the pool. His boat
was capsized with the intent of stealing his claim. Reference: Popelish 1995.
China Flat, Mariposa County.
China Flat is a broad, flat surface next
to Jordan Creek in an area with many mines and tailings.
It is two miles south-southeast of the Groverland Ranger Station on Big Oak Flat Road in the
Stanislaus National Forest Stanislaus National Forest. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949b.
It is two miles south-southeast of the Groverland Ranger Station on Big Oak Flat Road in the
Stanislaus National Forest Stanislaus National Forest. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1949b.
China Gulch, Mariposa County.
China Gulch is
about four miles east of the town of Catheys Valley. It is a three and three-quarter
mile long seasonal stream that joins Agua Fria Creek. Evidence of mining (shafts, tailings) and
kilns are found throughout the area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962a.
mile long seasonal stream that joins Agua Fria Creek. Evidence of mining (shafts, tailings) and
kilns are found throughout the area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1962a.
China Meadow, Mariposa County.
China Meadow is north of Benedict Meadow along the western edge of the Minaret District of the Sierra National Forest. China Meadow is a broad, open area within the forest and the home of the Chinese who worked at the saw mill across the road. The name dates from around 1900-1901. Reference: Popelish 1995.
Chinatown Street, Mariposa County.
Chinatown Street in
the community of Coulterville extends from Greeley Hill Road to Kow
Street. It was the primary street of Coulterville Chinatown. See Coulterville Chinatown,
Mariposa County; Kow Street, Mariposa County. Reference: Compass Maps 1994.
Street. It was the primary street of Coulterville Chinatown. See Coulterville Chinatown,
Mariposa County; Kow Street, Mariposa County. Reference: Compass Maps 1994.
Chinese Cemetery, Mariposa County.
Chinese Cemetery is
also known as Ching Cemetery. See Ching Cemetery, Mariposa County.
Chinese
Gulch, Mariposa County.
Chinese
Gulch is an intermittent stream that flows northeast to southeast into Indian
Gulch. It
is about one-half mile southeast of Dogtown Road. There has been considerable mining activity
in the area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1987.
is about one-half mile southeast of Dogtown Road. There has been considerable mining activity
in the area. Reference: United States Geological Survey 1987.
Ching
Cemetery, Mariposa County.
Ching
Cemetery is located on Main Street in the community of Coulterville across from
Coulterville Chinatown. Established around 1860, a large part of it was destroyed when a sewer
ditch was dug through the area. Ching Cemetery is sometime referred to simply as Chinese
Cemetery. See Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County. Reference: Office of Historic
Preservation 1982a.
Coulterville Chinatown. Established around 1860, a large part of it was destroyed when a sewer
ditch was dug through the area. Ching Cemetery is sometime referred to simply as Chinese
Cemetery. See Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County. Reference: Office of Historic
Preservation 1982a.
Coulterville
Chinatown, Mariposa County.
Coulterville
Chinatown was located on the upper end of Main Street in Coulterville and is
presently bounded by Main Street, Kow Street and Highway 120. Dating to the early 1850's, the
Chinese who lived there comprised 20 percent of the total population (1,000 Chinese out of
5,000 non-Chinese). See Kow Street, Mariposa County; Sun Family House, Mariposa County;
Sun Sun Wo General Store, Mariposa County. Reference: Nadeau 1992: 129.
presently bounded by Main Street, Kow Street and Highway 120. Dating to the early 1850's, the
Chinese who lived there comprised 20 percent of the total population (1,000 Chinese out of
5,000 non-Chinese). See Kow Street, Mariposa County; Sun Family House, Mariposa County;
Sun Sun Wo General Store, Mariposa County. Reference: Nadeau 1992: 129.
Great
Wall of China, Mariposa County.
The
Great Wall of China, near the town of Mariposa, is four miles long, four feet high and
two
feet wide. The dry stack wall enclosed 640 acres of the Quick Ranch. It is the most completely documented of the Chinese-built stone fences in the state. This results from the ranch being in the same family, the Quick family, since its beginning in 1859. Records maintained by the family show the hiring of a Chinese foreman and Chinese workers for the construction of the fence. The workers received 25 cents per day for one and one-half rods (24 3/4 feet) of fence. The foreman received $1.75 for every rod (16 1/2 feet). Total cost of the fence was $6,000. See Bok Kai Chinese Wall Memorial, Yuba County; Great Wall of China, Butte County; Butte County Rock Fences, Butte County. Reference: Wey 1988: 133-134.
feet wide. The dry stack wall enclosed 640 acres of the Quick Ranch. It is the most completely documented of the Chinese-built stone fences in the state. This results from the ranch being in the same family, the Quick family, since its beginning in 1859. Records maintained by the family show the hiring of a Chinese foreman and Chinese workers for the construction of the fence. The workers received 25 cents per day for one and one-half rods (24 3/4 feet) of fence. The foreman received $1.75 for every rod (16 1/2 feet). Total cost of the fence was $6,000. See Bok Kai Chinese Wall Memorial, Yuba County; Great Wall of China, Butte County; Butte County Rock Fences, Butte County. Reference: Wey 1988: 133-134.
Hornitos Chinatown, Mariposa County.
Located
on the road leading north out of Hornitos, Hornitos Chinatown was one block north of
the plaza and dates to 1852. Like others, Hornitos Chinatown consisted of wooden buildings.
They burned by accident and not rebuilt. Reference: Williams 1971: 41, 47.
the plaza and dates to 1852. Like others, Hornitos Chinatown consisted of wooden buildings.
They burned by accident and not rebuilt. Reference: Williams 1971: 41, 47.
Kow Street, Mariposa County.
Kow
Street in the community of Coulterville, was named in honor of Sun Kow, a
well-known
local Chinese businessman. The street forms the northeast border of Coulterville Chinatown. See
Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County; Sun Family House, Mariposa County. Reference:
local Chinese businessman. The street forms the northeast border of Coulterville Chinatown. See
Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County; Sun Family House, Mariposa County. Reference:
Office
of Historic Preservation 1982b.
Mariposa
Museum, Mariposa County.
Mariposa
Museum at 5119 Jessie Street, City of Mariposa, has Chinese artifacts and historical
photographs of the Chinese on display.
The Chinese'
ability to rework the gold deposits abandoned by non-Chinese is pointed
out at
Mormon Bar. There, a plaque states, "Mormon Bar was first mined in 1849 by members of the
Mormon Battalion. They, however, stayed only a short time and their places were taken at once
by other miners. Later, thousands of Chinese worked the same ground over again." It is
California Historical Landmark No. 323. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation, 1990: 109.
Mormon Bar. There, a plaque states, "Mormon Bar was first mined in 1849 by members of the
Mormon Battalion. They, however, stayed only a short time and their places were taken at once
by other miners. Later, thousands of Chinese worked the same ground over again." It is
California Historical Landmark No. 323. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation, 1990: 109.
Pioneer History Center, Mariposa County.
Pioneer History
Center is in Wawona, Yosemite Valley. It was originally the two-story home of
Jerimaha and May Hodgdon. Constructed in 1889, the house was built by Ah Hoy and a Mr.
Babcock. The building displays construction practices used in China in the 1800's. Ah Hoy
worked for the Hodgdon family from the 1870's to the 1890's. Reference: Born 1995.
Jerimaha and May Hodgdon. Constructed in 1889, the house was built by Ah Hoy and a Mr.
Babcock. The building displays construction practices used in China in the 1800's. Ah Hoy
worked for the Hodgdon family from the 1870's to the 1890's. Reference: Born 1995.
Sun Family House, Mariposa County.
Sun Family House was
built about 1903 at the comer of Kow Street and Highway J20 in
Coulterville Chinatown in the community of Coulterville. One of the last three buildings in
Coulterville Chinatown, it was the residence of Sun Kow, the last owner of the Sun Sun Wo
General Store. See Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County; Kow Street, Mariposa County;
Sun Sun Wo General Store, Mariposa County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1982b.
Coulterville Chinatown in the community of Coulterville. One of the last three buildings in
Coulterville Chinatown, it was the residence of Sun Kow, the last owner of the Sun Sun Wo
General Store. See Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County; Kow Street, Mariposa County;
Sun Sun Wo General Store, Mariposa County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1982b.
Sun Sun Wo General Store, Mariposa County.
Built
with adobe bricks in 1851, the store was at the upper end of Main Street within
Coulterville Chinatown in the community of Coulterville. It served the Chinese who worked in the mines, on the ranches and businesses
of Yosemite Valley. See Coulterville Chinatown, Mariposa County. Reference:
Lew 1984: 6.
China Diggins and Reservoir is
located within Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, south of Malakoff Diggins across the North Bloomfield Road. It was originally known as
Brockmire Diggins.
A hydraulic mine, it was purchased by Chinese miners. The mine or excavation is
about 4,100 feet long and
up to 100 feet wide. The nearby reservoir supplied water for the mining operation. Reference: Felton 1979: 120, 166, 173, Figure 3.
Nevada County
Chinatown Street, Nevada County.
Chinatown
Street was the location of the first Truckee Chinatown. See Truckee Chinatown,Nevada County. Reference: Meschery 1978: 69-71.
China Close, Nevada County.
China
Close is a street less than 500 feet in length off Banner-Quaker Hill Road in a
housing development named Cascade Shores near Scotts Flat Reservoir. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
China Cove, Nevada County.
China
Cove is on the
southeast side of Donner Lake in Donner Memorial State Park. It was a Chinese settlement during the late 1800's Reference: United States Geological Survey
1983.
China Diggins and Reservoir, Nevada County.
China Ditch, Nevada County.
(1)
China Ditch, about 1,200 feet in length, originated at Humbug Creek, flowed
through North Bloomfield Chinatown and ended at China Garden. It provided water for the
vegetable garden. See China Garden, Nevada County; North Bloomfield Chinatown, Nevada County.
Reference:Felton
1979: 50-51.
(2)
China Ditch flows in a southwest direction for about eight miles from Lake
Wildwood near the town of Rough and Ready. The area has been extensively mined. Reference:
Compass Maps 1997.
(3)
China Ditch is a canal built by Chinese laborers that takes water from Deer
Creek before it joins the Yuba River and transfers it over 12 miles to Smartsville and its
surrounding mines. An elevation decrease of 600 feet was accomplished through the construction of seven flumes.Reference: United States Geological Survey 1950; United States Geological Survey 1951 c.
China Flat, Nevada County.
China
Flat is an area of low relief with symmetrical peaks surrounding it. China Flat is close
to Bear River, recently dammed to form Lake Combie. Long an area of historic
mining activity, it is presently a retirement community. Reference: United States Geological
Survey 1995.
China Garden, Nevada County.
China
Garden was a five-acre vegetable garden operated by Chinese. It supplied fresh
produce to the town of North Bloomfield in which it was located. Occasionally, people
spoke of it as the second Chinatown of North Bloomfield because of the gardeners who lived near the
plot of land. A
baseball field covers the area today. See China Ditch, Nevada County; North
Bloomfield Chinatown, Nevada County. Reference: Felton 1979: 16,39,157-158, 168, Figure 3.
China Hollow Road, Nevada County.
China
Hollow Road is about one mile in length. It is southwest of the Lake of the
Pines housing development. Reference: Compass Maps 1997.
China Wall, Nevada County.
A detailed marker placed by the Donner Summit Historical Society. (Marker Number 30.) on Donner Pass Road, Town of Truckee, states, "They were a great army laying siege to Nature in her strongest citadel." -- Beyond the Mississippi, 1869. They worked sunrise to sunset, six days a week, 52 weeks a year. Had it not been for the Chinese workers brought from China, the Central Pacific Railroad would not have been built. More than 8,000 Chinese workers toiled for years to build the railroad from Sacramento to Utah. They endured avalanches, blasting accidents, rock slides, blizzards, icy cold, exhaustion, and prejudice. Ironically, it was first thought Chinese workers would not be acceptable. Leland Stanford supposedly said though, "They built the Great Wall" didn't they? In the American West, they built a great railroad. There were Chinese camps all along the rail route and artifacts can still be found. Of course the railroad is the biggest monument but here, China Wall is a great example of their work. The Sierra are rugged and to lay a rail route with a maximum 3% grade is difficult. Fifteen tunnels had to be blasted through solid granite at inches of progress a day. High spots had to be cut, trestles and bridges to span rivers had to be built, and low spots had to be filled in. China Wall is one such low spot, filled with rubble from the tunnel nearby. Today it would be easy: a few bulldozers could fill it in hours. The Chinese moved the rock and dirt and the filling was done by hand. "I wish to call to your minds that the early completion of this railroad we have built has been in large measure due to that poor, despised class of laborers called the Chinese, to the fidelity and industry they have shown." Judge E.B. Crocker."
China Wall of the Sierra, Nevada County.
A plaque on Donner Pass Road, Truckee, Nevada County, was placed by the Truckee-Donner Historical Society and the Chief Truckee Chapter No. 3691, E. Clampus Vitus. It states, "Charles Crocker, Construction Chief of the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR), contracted for a workforce of approximately 12,000 Chinese laborers to push the CPRR tracks over its Trans-Sierra Crossing on its race east to a meet with the Union Pacific at Promontory, Utah Territory. A railroad retaining wall and fill, constructed of Sierra granite, stand silently above on the pass as a lasting monument to the Asian “Master Builders” who left an indelible mark on the history of California and the West."
Chinese Laundry Building, Nevada County.
A detailed marker placed by the Donner Summit Historical Society. (Marker Number 30.) on Donner Pass Road, Town of Truckee, states, "They were a great army laying siege to Nature in her strongest citadel." -- Beyond the Mississippi, 1869. They worked sunrise to sunset, six days a week, 52 weeks a year. Had it not been for the Chinese workers brought from China, the Central Pacific Railroad would not have been built. More than 8,000 Chinese workers toiled for years to build the railroad from Sacramento to Utah. They endured avalanches, blasting accidents, rock slides, blizzards, icy cold, exhaustion, and prejudice. Ironically, it was first thought Chinese workers would not be acceptable. Leland Stanford supposedly said though, "They built the Great Wall" didn't they? In the American West, they built a great railroad. There were Chinese camps all along the rail route and artifacts can still be found. Of course the railroad is the biggest monument but here, China Wall is a great example of their work. The Sierra are rugged and to lay a rail route with a maximum 3% grade is difficult. Fifteen tunnels had to be blasted through solid granite at inches of progress a day. High spots had to be cut, trestles and bridges to span rivers had to be built, and low spots had to be filled in. China Wall is one such low spot, filled with rubble from the tunnel nearby. Today it would be easy: a few bulldozers could fill it in hours. The Chinese moved the rock and dirt and the filling was done by hand. "I wish to call to your minds that the early completion of this railroad we have built has been in large measure due to that poor, despised class of laborers called the Chinese, to the fidelity and industry they have shown." Judge E.B. Crocker."
China Wall of the Sierra, Nevada County.
A plaque on Donner Pass Road, Truckee, Nevada County, was placed by the Truckee-Donner Historical Society and the Chief Truckee Chapter No. 3691, E. Clampus Vitus. It states, "Charles Crocker, Construction Chief of the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR), contracted for a workforce of approximately 12,000 Chinese laborers to push the CPRR tracks over its Trans-Sierra Crossing on its race east to a meet with the Union Pacific at Promontory, Utah Territory. A railroad retaining wall and fill, constructed of Sierra granite, stand silently above on the pass as a lasting monument to the Asian “Master Builders” who left an indelible mark on the history of California and the West."
Chinese Laundry Building, Nevada County.
Chinese
Laundry Building was constructed in 1854 at the comer of Flume Street and
Highway 49 in the town of North San Juan. However, it was not used by the Chinese until
1890. At that time, a Chinese man known locally as Happy-Go-Lucky by non-Chinese, operated a
laundry and store in the structure. The business lasted until 1920. See North San Juan
Chinatown, Nevada County. Reference: Office of Historic Preservation 1979d.
Gin Yet Wah Memorial, Nevada County.
Gin Yet Wah Memorial is on
North Bloomfield Road near North Bloomfield Grammar School in Malakoff Diggins
State Historic Park. The memorial was the home of Gin Yet Wah. It is a single room
structure with a log cabin appearance and an attached shed. Reference: Felton 1979: 109, Figure 3.
Grass Valley Chinatown, Nevada County.
Grass Valley Chinatown in the
community of Grass Valley was located between Auburn Street
and Wolf Creek, south of Bank Alley. Fire consumed Grass Valley Chinatown in the 1870's and it was not rebuilt. Reference: McGowan 1961: 326; Sanborn Insurance Map 1891; Wells 1962: 79. |
Great Summit Tunnel of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada County.
A plaque references the Chinese workers who helped develop the 1,659 foot long tunnel at the summit (Tunnel 6). It is located along Highway 80 near the community of Norden. See Tunnel 6 Monument, Nevada County. Reference: Hendley 2014. Nevada City Chinatown, Nevada County.
Nevada City Chinatown in Nevada City was located one
block east of Main Street by 1850-1860.
When gold mining in the area ceased, the Chinese moved on. However, many Chinese artifacts have been preserved. See Nevada City Firehouse Museum, Nevada County. Reference: Williams 1971: 42. |
Nevada City Chinese American
Cemetery, Nevada County.
Nevada City Chinese American Cemetery was a burial site
for Chinese in the 1890's. It still has
burners for paper money, parts of the original fence, a gate and a monument. It is thought that the cemetery was a permanent burial site unlike others where the deceased was disinterred with the bones being sent back to China for final interment. Reference: Wey 1988: 147. |
Nevada City Firehouse Museum, Nevada County.
The museum has a substantial
collection of early Chinese immigrant artifacts and a temple altar.
Reference: Lew 1984: 10. |
North Bloomfield Chinatown, Nevada County.
North Bloomfield Chinatown in Malakoff Diggins State
Historic Park was located one block
south of Main Street off Relief Hill Road. It was the home of between 200 and 300 Chinese laborers and miners. They built ditches and accounted for about one-half the miners at the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company. There were stores, residences, a laundry and joss house within the Chinatown. See China Garden, Nevada County. Reference: Felton 1979: 16-17,39,
Figure 3.
|
North Bloomfield Chinese Cemetery, Nevada County.
North Bloomfield Chinese Cemetery, Malakoff Diggins
State Historic Park, was next to Haner-
Sherwood Diggins and close to Relief Hill Road. Originally, deceased Chinese were temporarily buried in the North Bloomfield Cemetery. Eventually, they would be disinterred and the bones sent to China for reburial. But expansion of the cemetery caused development of another one--for Chinese only. As of late 1970's, one Chinese remained buried in the cemetery. Reference: Felton 1979: 162, Figure 3.
|