Archaeological Evidence of Survivance: Chinese Habitation Sites on the Malheur National Forest

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Arming the Resistance: Recent Scholarship in Chinese Diaspora Archaeology" , at the 2020 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Documentary and archaeological evidence from the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon indicates large numbers of immigrant Chinese gold miners lived and worked in this area during the 19th century. Populations persisted into the early 20th century as well, contrary to narratives suggesting rural goldfields were abandoned in favor of opportunities in northwest cities. Chinese immigrants persisted and thrived in rural Eastern Oregon mining communities, actively mining gold deposits, operating successful labor networks, and creating communities. Many locations where immigrant Chinese miners lived and worked are now archaeological sites on the Malheur National Forest. Documentary and archaeological evidence suggests vernacular construction and stylistic elements of observed habitation features might be unique to Chinese habitation. Archaeological evidence and continued research will continue to contribute to discussions on the survivance of Chinese immigrant populations in Eastern Oregon.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Arming the Resistance: Recent Scholarship in Chinese Diaspora Archaeology   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2020

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 482