The Chinese in Nevada

by Sue Fawn Chung, Nevada State Museum (With)

Overview

When the Chinese were asked to help dig irrigation ditches in the 1850s in Genoa and Dayton, Nevada, no one imagined that they would constitute almost nine percent of the state's population by 1880. Although many were attracted by mining prospects, the ability to own land, and work in railroad construction projects, they held a wide variety of jobs, including ranching, sheepherding, logging, medicine, merchandising, and gaming. Their restaurants and laundries could be found throughout the state. The children became acculturated because the state did not require them to attend segregated schools. Federal and state anti-Chinese legislation had a devastating effect upon the population after 1890, but the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943 and other immigration laws brought newcomers who added to the growth of Chinese Americans. The postwar period saw new opportunities opening up that allowed their leaders to be recognized for their contributions to their community and the state.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738574943
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	07/18/2011
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.32(w) x 9.24(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

Sue Fawn Chung began teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1975 after working as a child actress in Hollywood. She has been active in numerous organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the state's Board of Museums and History.

Editorial Reviews

Title: History of the Chinese in Nevada Told Through Photographs
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Date: 7/18/2011


The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing's popular Images of America series is The Chinese in Nevada from local author Sue Fawn Chung, with the Nevada State Museum. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.

When the Chinese were asked to help dig irrigation ditches in the 1850s in Genoa and Dayton, Nevada, no one imagined that they would constitute almost nine percent of the state's population by 1880. Although many were attracted by mining prospects, the ability to own land, and work in railroad construction projects, they held a wide variety of jobs, including ranching, sheepherding, logging, medicine, merchandising, and gaming. Their restaurants and laundries could be found throughout the state. The children became acculturated because the state did not require them to attend segregated schools.

Federal and state anti-Chinese legislation had a devastating effect upon the population after 1890, but the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943 and other immigration laws brought newcomers who added to the growth of Chinese Americans. The postwar period saw new opportunities opening up that allowed their leaders to be recognized for their contributions to their community and the state.

Highlights of The Chinese in Nevada:
? Early mining and railroad construction
? Logging and later mining towns
? Second generation Chinese and their families
? Reno and other towns
? Entertainment and later developments
? Accomplishments and contributions

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America's people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

From the Publisher