Sunday, May 13, 2012

"Memory of Chinese transcontinental railroad workers to be honored"

"Memory of Chinese transcontinental railroad workers to be honored" by Dennis Romboy, © Deseret News, May 13, 2012. (News Article)

"Margaret Yee's ancestors were among thousands of Chinese immigrants who forged the transcontinental railroad that was completed with the driving of the golden spike at Promontory on May 10, 1869. Her great-grandfather on her mother's side, Ng Shee, was a railroad worker, and her grandfather on her father's side, Wong Wah Yu, worked as a cook on the Central Pacific Railroad. ... " [More]

Unfortunately, the article goes on to get the history wrong, repeating several common myths.

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]

Chinese artist Yuan Xikun unveils his sculpture representing Chinese railroad builders placed in Los Angeles Union Station

"Sculpture by Chinese artist unveiled in LA." © Xinhua, May 13, 2012. (News Article)

"... The significant role of Chinese laborers in the transcontinental railroad was described by Leland Stanford, president of Central Pacific Railroad Company as a class they are quiet, peaceable, patient and industrious, ready and apt to learn all the different kinds of work required in railroad building. Their toil in severe weather, cruel working conditions and for meager wages cannot be under appreciated. ... I wish to call to your minds that the early completion of this railroad has been in large measure due to Chinese laborers, to the fidelity and industry they have shown ... " [More]

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]