Abstract
This paper examines the methods by which Chinese immigrants involved with the construction of the first transcontinental railroad maintained cultural ties to their native China, as well as the changes they made to adapt to their new surroundings. The United States’ first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, primarily at the hands of Chinese immigrants. Despite their massive contribution, no primary documents from Chinese workers themselves are known to exist. Their role in the railroad’s construction was largely forgotten until relatively recently. Chinese workers faced hostile living and working conditions during their life on the railroad. This paper covers multiple realms of culture including diet, recreation, and religion, in addition to their relationships with Indigenous groups.
Recommended Citation
Jordan, Caroline. "Remaking Life: The Culture of Chinese Transcontinental Railroad Workers." The Purdue Historian 12, 1 (2025). https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/puhistorian/vol12/iss1/3
Included in
Asian American Studies Commons, Cultural History Commons, Labor History Commons, United States History Commons