Chinese workers who came to the United States found economic opportunity, but also experienced hostility, racism, violence, and legal exclusion. Many came as single men; others left families behind. Despite laws restricting Chinese immigration, a few workers were able to send for wives and establish families and lasting communities in the United States. Cover Image: Ging Cui, Wong Fook, and Lee Shao, three of the eight Chinese workers who put the last rail in place, 1867
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Smithsonian Institution9 places
On May 10, 1869, US history was made when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, an enormous feat, primarily due to the hard work of Chinese immigrant workers (an estimated 11,000 of whom were employed at below-average wages while managing unfair working and living conditions.) The Golden Spike Monument strives to honor the Chinese immigrant workers that died and their accomplishments.
MoreEssential Asian-American history sites
Lonely Planet11 places