Chinese in San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley

The fertile Santa Clara Valley--once called the Valley of Heart's Delight and later Silicon Valley--has long been home to a substantial Chinese population. Like other immigrants, they arrived seeking opportunity and armed with survival instincts and the ability to persevere, but the struggles they faced were unique. From 1866 to 1931, five distinct Chinatowns existed in San Jose, each one devastated by mysterious fires or stifled by unjust laws. Early Chinese in the region labored relentlessly, building railroads and levees and toiling as laundrymen, grocers, cooks, servants, field hands, and factory workers. In the 20th century, new industries replaced agriculture, and an influx of Chinese invigorated the valley with innovative ideas, helping it emerge as a leader in technology.

Author: Chinese Historical and Cultural Project

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

Publication Date: Aug 15, 2007

Number of Pages: 130 pages

Binding: Hardback or Cased Book

ISBN-10: 1531629288

ISBN-13: 9781531629281