Transcontinental Railroad | The Iron Road | Episode 5: Recognizing Unsung Heroes

Hosted by Lindsey Graham | Released December 18, 2024 | American History Tellers by Wondery

Introduction to the Golden Spike Ceremony

The episode delves into the historic completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah. Host Lindsey Graham sets the scene, highlighting the momentous occasion where Leland Stanford, president of the Central Pacific Railroad, drove the ceremonial golden spike, symbolizing the union of the Central and Union Pacific rail lines.

Lindsey Graham [04:10]: "On May 10, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was finally completed. Leading figures of both the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad companies gathered at Promontory Summit, Utah, to watch."

The Overlooked Contributions of Chinese Laborers

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Chinese workers whose invaluable labor was instrumental in constructing the railroad. Despite their critical role, these workers were conspicuously absent from the iconic photograph of the golden spike ceremony, symbolizing their marginalization in historical narratives.

Sue Li [05:59]: "But the fact that Chinese were in that photo whitewashes our history and says, you guys aren't important. We're not going to include you in anything."

Connie Young Yu [07:15] elaborates on the scarcity of Chinese workers at the ceremony, noting that only a small number were present, and their exclusion from the photograph perpetuated a skewed historical record.

Efforts to Correct Historical Records

Sue Li, historian and former executive director of the Chinese Historical Society of America, alongside Connie Young Yu, co-editor of Voices from the Railroad Stories by Descendants of Chinese Railroad Workers, discuss their endeavors to reclaim and honor the narratives of these laborers. Their 2019 book aims to shed light on the untold stories of Chinese railroad workers through the voices of their descendants.

Sue Li [08:50]: "We at the Chinese Historical Society felt that it was time to set the record straight and to clarify what had happened 150 years ago and begin recovering our stories and to tell the stories through the voices of descendants of actual workers."

The 2014 recreation of the golden spike photograph by photographer Corky Lee, which inclusively featured Chinese individuals, served as a catalyst for renewed recognition and commemoration efforts.

Challenges in Documenting Chinese Laborers’ Histories

The episode highlights the difficulties historians face in uncovering detailed accounts of Chinese railroad workers due to inadequate record-keeping and the use of informal naming conventions by Chinese laborers.

Connie Young Yu [12:54]: "We don't have names of Chinese workers because they were not recorded."

Sue Li explains that many Chinese workers were hired in large gangs, often without individual records, making it challenging to trace their personal histories.

Life and Working Conditions in the Railroad Camps

Listeners gain insight into the harsh realities faced by Chinese workers, who endured extreme weather conditions, dangerous working environments, and pervasive discrimination. The gangs lived communally, maintaining their cultural practices and supporting one another amidst the grueling labor.

Connie Young Yu [18:52]: "What was their work like? How did it compare to the other white workers?"

Chinese laborers were responsible for the most hazardous tasks, such as blasting tunnels through the Sierra Nevada mountains, often using perilous methods like nitroglycerin. The episode recounts the high mortality rates, with estimates of over a thousand Chinese workers losing their lives during construction.

Labor Strikes and Resistance

In 1867, Chinese workers organized a strike to protest unsafe working conditions and wage disparities compared to their white counterparts. This act of solidarity demonstrated their capacity for organized labor movements, although the strike was ultimately quelled by the Central Pacific Railroad through the withdrawal of supplies, effectively ending the protest.

Sue Li [23:04]: "So they were extremely organized. They had good communication between the work camps. So they laid down their tools and didn't go to work, which scared the hell out of the Central Pacific world."

Preservation and Recognition of Historical Sites

The episode underscores ongoing efforts to preserve significant sites like Summit Tunnel Camp, highlighting initiatives to designate these areas as national historic landmarks to protect them from neglect and vandalism.

Sue Li [38:45]: "There's an ongoing effort to place the Summit Tunnel Camp on the National Register of Historic Places."

Connie Young Yu shares her emotional experience visiting the Summit Tunnel, where the remnants of the Chinese laborers' work serve as a poignant reminder of their enduring legacy.

Legacy and Impact on Modern America

Connie Young Yu reflects on her personal connection to the railroad through her great grandfather, Li Wong Sang, emphasizing the profound impact of Chinese railroad workers on building the American West. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the lasting contributions of these laborers and the importance of recognizing their role in shaping the nation.

Connie Young Yu [34:56]: "Because of the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendant association, because of their advocacy in planning the 150th, finally, the Chinese would be acknowledged very prominently."

Sue Li adds, highlighting the broader implications of their legacy:

Sue Li [39:35]: "That there's these thousands of Chinese who have been here for four, five, six generations who helped build that railroad and who continue to help build this country. It's as simple as that."

Conclusion

Lindsey Graham wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of acknowledging the Chinese laborers' contributions to the Transcontinental Railroad and, by extension, to American history. The forthcoming season promises to explore other pivotal events, continuing the mission to illuminate the often overlooked stories that have shaped the nation.

Key Takeaways:

• Undervalued Contributions: Chinese workers were essential to constructing the Transcontinental Railroad but have historically been underrepresented in mainstream narratives.

• Systemic Discrimination: These laborers faced severe discrimination, lower wages, and dangerous working conditions, with their sacrifices often minimized or ignored.

• Efforts for Recognition: Historians and descendants are actively working to document and honor the stories of Chinese railroad workers, striving to integrate their contributions into the broader American historical context.

• Legacy of Resilience: The enduring legacy of Chinese railroad workers serves as a testament to their resilience and pivotal role in building modern America.

This episode of American History Tellers offers a comprehensive exploration of the Chinese laborers' experiences during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, emphasizing the need for historical recognition and preservation of their invaluable contributions.