Historical Overview: What is Typically Taught

A picture that depicts railroad workers standing around the tracks. Pay attention to who was included. From Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

In most high school curricula, the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad is presented with an emphasis on its strategic and economic importance, the key figures involved, and the competition between the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads. Students learn about the ambitious vision of connecting the East and West coasts, driven by the Pacific Railway Acts of 1862 and 1864, which provided federal support through land grants and loans (National Park Service). The curriculum highlights the "Big Four" (Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, and Mark Hopkins) who spearheaded the Central Pacific Railroad and played crucial roles in financing and managing the construction efforts (PBS American Experience).

Additionally, the narrative often focuses on the dramatic completion of the railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific tracks met on May 10, 1869, symbolized by the driving of the "Golden Spike" (Ambrose, 2000).

The Role of Chinese Workers: Untold Stories

Recruitment and Arrival

The Central Pacific Railroad, faced with severe labor shortages, turned to Chinese immigrants as a reliable workforce. Beginning in 1865, Charles Crocker and his colleagues initiated the recruitment of Chinese laborers, who were already well-regarded for their work in California's mines and agricultural sectors (Chang, 2019).

By 1867, the workforce of the Central Pacific Railroad was predominantly Chinese, with over 12,000 Chinese laborers accounting for more than 90% of the company's workforce (Stanford University). These workers were recruited from both California and directly from China, often through labor brokers who facilitated their passage across the Pacific. The influx of Chinese laborers was a response to the demand for efficient and dependable workers capable of undertaking the backbreaking and dangerous tasks required to complete the railroad.

Working Conditions

Chinese workers on the Transcontinental Railroad endured some of the most grueling and perilous conditions imaginable. They faced extreme weather, ranging from the blistering heat of the Nevada deserts to the freezing temperatures and deep snow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The construction of tunnels through the Sierra Nevada was particularly hazardous, requiring the use of nitroglycerin and black powder to blast through solid granite (National Park Service). This work was not only physically demanding but also incredibly dangerous, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries.

An illustration of the dangerous working conditions the immigrants had to face. From National Park Service.

Chinese workers were frequently assigned the most perilous tasks, including blasting, tunneling, and laying tracks in treacherous terrain. Despite their critical role, they were compensated significantly less than their white counterparts, typically earning $1 per day compared to the $2-$3 earned by white workers, and they were required to pay for their own food and lodging (PBS American Experience).

Living Conditions

The living conditions of Chinese laborers were equally harsh. They resided in makeshift camps with inadequate shelter, often constructed from canvas tents or rough wooden structures that provided little protection against the elements.

Despite these challenges, the Chinese workers maintained their cultural practices and traditional diets, which included rice, vegetables, and dried seafood, supplemented with local game and plants. This diet helped them stay healthier than their fellow workers who subsisted on a diet heavy in meat and potatoes. The Chinese workers' resilience and resourcefulness were evident in their ability to create a sense of community and maintain their cultural heritage in the face of adversity (Chang, 2019).

A representation of the living conditions of the Chinese immigrants working on the railroads: little tents on the side exposed to the harsh weather. From PBS.

Strikes and Advocacy

In June 1867, a significant strike occurred when thousands of Chinese workers ceased work to demand better wages and working conditions. This strike, one of the largest labor actions of the time, saw workers demanding equal pay to their white counterparts, shorter workdays, and improved treatment (Stanford University). The strike lasted for about a week, but it ultimately ended without the workers achieving their goals. The Central Pacific Railroad responded by cutting off food supplies to the strikers, effectively forcing them back to work under the same conditions. Despite the lack of immediate success, this strike highlighted the workers' willingness to stand up for their rights and laid the groundwork for future labor movements.

Contributions and Achievements

The contributions of Chinese laborers were instrumental in overcoming the formidable challenges posed by the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Their expertise, discipline, and efficiency were crucial in completing some of the most difficult sections of the railroad, particularly the construction of tunnels through the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Chinese workers' ability to work tirelessly and efficiently under extreme conditions enabled the Central Pacific Railroad to meet its construction deadlines and ultimately complete the project on schedule (National Park Service). Their work ethic and determination were key factors in the successful completion of the railroad, significantly contributing to the economic development and expansion of the United States.

Recognition and Legacy

Despite their significant contributions, Chinese workers were largely excluded from the historical narrative of the Transcontinental Railroad. They were not invited to the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, and their achievements went unrecognized for many years. In recent decades, there has been a concerted effort to rectify this oversight and honor the legacy of the Chinese laborers. Historical markers, memorials, and increased academic research have brought greater attention to their vital role in this monumental project. The Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University, for example, has conducted extensive research to document and share the stories of these workers, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and remembered (Stanford University).

A photograph depicting Chinese workers who worked on the railroad. From the NEw York Times.

Conclusion

The Chinese workers' contributions to the Transcontinental Railroad are a testament to their resilience, skill, and determination. Recognizing their role provides a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of this pivotal period in American history. By highlighting their untold stories, we can honor their legacy and ensure that their sacrifices and achievements are not forgotten.

Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Chinese Americans in the Transcontinental Railroad

For over a century, the contributions of Chinese laborers to the Transcontinental Railroad have been largely overlooked in American history curriculums. From January 2010 to January 2024, only a single exam question on the New York State US History Regents and AP US History exams mentioned the Transcontinental Railroad, focusing exclusively on Irish Americans. This glaring omission highlights a pervasive gap in the historical narratives taught in schools.

This project seeks to address this gap by developing comprehensive lesson plans that illuminate the hidden stories of Chinese Americans. Through meticulously researched content, engaging slides, and interactive activities, I aim to bring to light the significant yet often forgotten contributions of Chinese laborers. These lessons will cover their grueling working conditions, rampant discrimination, and enduring resilience.

By integrating these overlooked narratives into the curriculum, I hope to foster a more inclusive understanding of American history. This project not only honors the memory of the Chinese laborers but also educates future generations about the diverse fabric of our nation’s past. Join me in recognizing the vital contributions of Chinese Americans to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and the shaping of American history.