Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, California, in 1849. At this time Southeastern China was mired in poverty and ruin caused by the Taiping Rebellion. The first wave of Chinese came to the United States which continued
until 1876. Census showed that in 1876 the Chinese in the United States numbered 151,000 of
whom 116,000 were in the state of California.
Chinese were refered to as Chinamen or China Boys. They worked willingly as cooks, laundrymen, and servants. They filled a need for the early California settlers.
"Chinamen" were welcomed, and in demand as laborers, as carpenters, and as cooks. Their knowledge in agricultural
endeavors in draining and tilling the rich tule lands were much appreciated. Governor
McDougal referred to "Chinamen" as “one of the most worthy of our newly adopted
citizens.”
You can read more about the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush at www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/chinhate.html. This cartoon is courtesy of the above mentioned URL. You can also see a video on the same topic at www.pbs.org/becomingamerican/ce_timeline.html
Chinese were refered to as Chinamen or China Boys. They worked willingly as cooks, laundrymen, and servants. They filled a need for the early California settlers.
"Chinamen" were welcomed, and in demand as laborers, as carpenters, and as cooks. Their knowledge in agricultural
endeavors in draining and tilling the rich tule lands were much appreciated. Governor
McDougal referred to "Chinamen" as “one of the most worthy of our newly adopted
citizens.” You can read more about the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush at www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/chinhate.html. This cartoon is courtesy of the above mentioned URL. You can also see a video on the same topic at www.pbs.org/becomingamerican/ce_timeline.html
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