Chinese camp and construction train in Nevada during building of the first transcontinental railroad

1869-05-10

AAZ-1808

Still image

1 photographic print: b&w ; 8 x 10 in.

English

SFP 131. Folder: CA. Transportation. Railroads. Transcontinental.

Newscopy: Chinese camp and construction train in Nevada when building of the first transcontinental railroad was being speeded across that state by the Central Pacific (now Southern Pacific) The Pacific Coast did not have sufficient labor for the railroad job, and as a result about 10,000 Chinese were brought in to do the work. They were divided into gangs, each with its own native cook and "head man" who handed out the pay and managed other affairs of his group. Construction bosses and engineers lived in the outfit cars on the trains that were shoved onto improvised sidings as the work was pushed forward. May 10, 1944, will be the 75th anniversary of completion of the first transcontinental railroad.

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San Francisco Historical Photographs > California Photograph Collection

SFP 131

San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library