Number of Chinese Places in Oregon Counties

Baker County


Auburn Chinese Cemeteries. There were at least two Chinese cemeteries in the community of Auburn. By the time of the demise of Auburn Chinatown, those interred had been exhumed and the bones shipped to China. At least one of the cemeteries was washed away in a “second washing of gold.” Reference: Alexander 1972: 50; Wegars 1995: 34.

Auburn Ditch. Auburn Ditch, a 25 mile long canal, was built by Chinese laborers in 1863. Reference: Mead 2006: 62.

Auburn Joss House. The original Auburn Joss House was located in Auburn Chinatown on the second story above a Chinese-owned store. Reference: Wegars 1995: 32-33.

Baker City Chinatown. In 1870, Baker City Chinatown was located at the southeastern edge of the downtown business district with the Powder River flowing along its easternmost edge. By 1886, it contained a half dozen stores and a population of about 400. The residents were miners, laundry men, cooks, wood sawyers, servants, vegetable gardeners, tailor, butcher, herb doctor, and fishermen who fished the Powder River for chub and suckers. Both the vegetables and fish were sold to the larger community. By 1903, the Chinatown was bounded by Valley Avenue, Auburn Avenue, Resort Street, and the Powder River.map Reference: Dielman 2008: 96-97; Sanborn Insurance Map 1903; Wesley 1949: 84, 87-88.

Baker City Chinese Pavilion. The Baker City Chinese Pavilion is situated in the Baker City Chinese Cemetery within the town of Baker City. It commemorates the Chinese who were interred in the cemetery. The pavilion’s dedication ceremony was held on August 24, 2002 and was attended by representatives of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Portland, local community leaders, and those who donated their time and resources in the pavilion’s construction. Reference: Baker County Library, Baker City, Oregon, Object No. 2008.2.1.


Baker City Joss House. The joss house on Auburn Street in the Baker City Chinatown was completed in 1882-83. It was a two story, red brick structure measuring 20 feet by 45 feet with a balcony and porch in front. The interior was finished with hardwood. The first floor was used for social activities with the second floor containing a large sitting Buddha and altar upon which was a statue of Quan Yin. The structure was razed after 1941. Reference: Edson 1974: 67; Evans 1993: 6; Nokes 2009: 174-75; Wesley 1949: 87.

Baker City Chinese Cemetery. The Baker City Chinese Cemetery is located just outside Baker City at the end of Campbell Street, east of Interstate 84. Through the years, it fell into disrepair because of a lack of understanding as to its ownership. The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) learned that it was the owner when a judge ordered a title search in a related land acquisition issue in 1991. The CCBA subsequently joined with the Baker County Historical Society in renovating the cemetery. With the help of Chinese American students and other volunteers, the cemetery was cleaned and a chain fence erected. The funeral burner was restored and a marker stone and path through the cemetery were also installed. Reference: Evans 1993: 6; Nokes 2009: 176-77; Steele 1993: 5.


Baker City Chinese Cemetery Marker. A carved stone maker in the Baker City Chinese Cemetery commemorates those who had been interred there. The marker lists 17 names, out of the approximately 67, who were buried there before their remains were disinterred and shipped to China. Reference: Baker County Library, Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 2008.2.8.


Baker City Chinese Cemetery Funeral Burner. The Baker City Chinese Cemetery Burner was a prominent feature in the original cemetery. It was a square structure made of cut stone with an opening through which incense and prayer papers could be inserted and burned. Traditionally, the burner was used most frequently during the Ching Ming ceremony. It was in use from 1880 to 1940, being dismantled shortly thereafter. A restoration of the burner was accomplished using the original cut stones. Reference: Baker County Library, Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 1981.1.6806. Baker City Chinese Gardens. The Chinese grew vegetables in an area on Spring Garden Avenue as well as on the west side of town. They were consumed by the Chinese and sold to non-Chinese. Reference: Evans 1993: 6; Wegars 1995: 15.

Battle Creek Chinese Massacre. According to a lone Chinese survivor, Piute Indians killed approximately 40 Chinese miners near Battle Creek in 1866. The name Battle Creek is attributed to a fight between two Native American groups in 1870. Reference: Edson 1974: 13; McArthur 1982: 44.

China Creek Corral Pond. China Creek Corral Pond drains in a northerly direction joining South China Spring and is within the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Beaverdam Creek, Oregon, 1984.

China Creek1. The water source of China Creek is Elk Camp Spring within the Upper Burnt River Mining District. From there, China Creek flows approximately 4.5 miles in a southwesterly direction until its water is captured by China Creek Ditch. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Unity Reservoir, Oregon, 1984.

China Creek2. China Creek2 flows northeast into North Fork Burnt River near the Greenhorn Mining District. The area has widespread dredge tailings. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Greenhorn, Oregon, 1995.

China Creek Ditch. China Creek Ditch captures China Creek1 at 44°35'10″N 118°10'54″W, carrying its water approximately nine miles to form an intermittent lake at 44°33'21″N 118°10'10″W. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Unity Reservoir, Oregon, 1984.

China Creek Spring. China Creek Spring is approximately two miles northwest of China Creek. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Unity Reservoir, Oregon, 1984.

China Diggings. China Diggings were an area of placer mines on a hillside near the town of Sumpter. Reference: Wegars 1995: 24.

China Gate. China Gate is within the Baker City’s Leo Adler Memorial Parkway, a 2.5-mile riverside park and pathway connecting a series of eight public spaces adjacent to the Powder River in the City of Baker. The gate is tentatively located near Valley Avenue, part of the original Baker City Chinatown. Reference: Developing Public Art in Oregon’s Rural Communities 2000; Leo Adler Memorial Parkway n.d.; “Voice of the River Resonates in Baker City” 2008.

China Gulch Placer Mine. China Gulch Placer Mine was located opposite Pole Creek, two miles north of Sumpter. China Gulch is shown as Slim Creek on current U.S.G.S. 7.5’ series maps. Mine tailings extend from north of China Gulch down Cracker Creek and past the town of Sumpter, all part of the Sumpter/Cracker Creek Mining District. Baker County records indicate China Gulch Placer Mine was operated by Chinese. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 200; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Bourne, Oregon, 1984.

China Lake. China Lake is southeast of China Creek at an elevation of 6731 feet above sea level. It is within the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Unity Reservoir, Oregon, 1984.

China Spring. China Springs is within Foster Gulch, approximately three miles southwest of the community of Halfway. It lies within the Eagle Creek/Sparta Mining District where placer gold mining dates to the 1860s. Chinese miners had purchased much of the claims in the Eagle Creek District by 1872. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Richland, Oregon, 1984.

China Town. The historic community of China Town (two words) was approximately two miles west of Clarksville on Clarks Creek. By 1900, its Chinese population was 200, serving the miners of nearby Upper Burnt Creek River Mining District. The locale occasionally appears in the literature as Clarksville Chinatown. Reference: Baker County Library, Baker City, Oregon, Record No.133/907; McConnell 1979; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Bridgeport, Oregon, 1990.

Chinese Gardens. Chinese Gardens is part of the Baker City’s Leo Adler Memorial Parkway, a 2.5-mile riverside park and pathway connecting a series of eight public spaces adjacent to the Powder River in the City of Baker. The gardens will be located near China Gate and the Community Confluence and Celebration Space. Reference: Developing Public Art in Oregon’s Rural Communities 2000; Leo Adler Memorial Parkway n.d.; “Voice of the River Resonates in Baker City” 2008.

Chinese Wall. Chinese Wall is made of rocks stacked by Chinese as a result of their placer mining along Union Creek north of Phillips Lake. Reference: Britton 2005; Brooks 2007: 105.

Clarksville Chinatown. Clarksville Chinatown, identified on maps as China Town, grew quickly and declined faster as the gold in the area was depleted. Baker County records and map information indicate that the Chinese conducted gold mining activity in the area surrounding Clarksville, particularly in the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; Steeves 1984; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Bridgeport, Oregon, 1990.

Deer Creek Chinese Camp. Deer Creek Chinese Camp was on the Deer Creek, approximately 2½ miles northeast of the town of Sumpter. The Chinese owned the Sumpter Mining District claim, reportedly generating $3 per day per person. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Wegars 1995: 11.

Downie Creek Chinese Mine. Downie Creek Chinese Mine is on Downie Creek near McCully Fork of the Powder River, northwest of Sumpter. It is within the Sumpter/Cracker Creek Mining District. It was leased to the Chinese who were producing $9000 per year by 1900. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 147.

East China Spring. East China Spring is about ¾ miles southeast of China Creek within the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Beaverdam, Oregon, 1984.

Eldorado Ditch. Originally only in Baker County, Eldorado Ditch was extended to the point where it ran across today’s Baker and Malheur Counties. Constructed from 1863 to 1878 by as many as 1000 Chinese laborers, it may be the longest canal in Oregon, measuring 135 miles in length with an 800 foot change in elevation over its length. It measured 8.5 feet wide at the top and 6 feet wide at the base, being 3 feet deep. The ditch brought water from Willow Creek Basin to the Shasta Mining District. The Ah Fat Company was the major labor contractor for the construction. A court decree and subsequent lack of maintenance and road construction in the area marked its disuse in 1925. Reference: Brooks 2007: 45; Evans 1993: 6; Mead 2006: 104; North Fork Malheur Geographic Management Area 2007: 77; Wegars 1995: 57-58.

Elk Creek Mine. Elk Creek flows southwest into the Middle Fork of John Day River. The area around the mine has experienced extensive placer and hard rock mining. Baker County records indicate Chinese ownership of the mine. Reference: Steeves 1984: 200; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Susanville, Oregon, 1990.

Ellis Mine. Ellis mine was between Cracker Creek and McCully Fork of the Powder River near the Rock Creek/Cracker Creek Mining District. Chinese miners leased the area and performed hydraulic mining throughout in the late 1800s. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 147; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Bourne, Oregon, 1984.

Gimlet Placer Chinese Mining Site. The Gimlet Placer Chinese Mining Site is on the east bank of Gimlet Creek within the Sumpter/Greenhorn Mining District. It is adjacent to Forest Service Road 7386 in an area of widespread placer mining that started in the 1860s and hard rock mining dating to 1880. Chinese artifacts at the site suggest that the Chinese worked the placer deposits. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Jaehnig 1997; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Whitney, Oregon, 1984.

Gold Rush RV Park. Gold Rush RV Park is located in the town of Sumpter at 680 Cracker Creek Road. The park was the site of Chinese placer mining as early as the 1880s. The stacked rocks resulting from the mining are still evident. Reference: Historic Sumpter 2003.

Hogem Ditch. The ditch ran from the West Fork of Creek to the town of Hogem. Although dug by non-Chinese in 1864, Ah Wah and Wing Lee bought an interest in it in July, 1870, under the name Wing Lee and Co. Ditch maintenance was then performed by 40-50 Chinese. Wing Lee sold his interest in October, 1870. Reference: Wegars 1995: 54.

Lily White Mine Disaster. Located northeast of Baker City in the Wallowa Mountains, the Lily White Gold Mine is thought to be the source of unverified stories about as many as 100 or as few as 13, Chinese miners being trapped in the mine sometime between 1886 and 1889. Either through a cave-in or the mine owner dynamiting the entrance so he would not need to pay the Chinese, the ghosts of the miners are said to be seen singing and dancing above the mine entrance on moon-lit nights. The U.S. Forest Service opened the mine in 2010 and found no evidence of foul play. References: Nokes 2009: 79; Nokes 1995: Dec. 21, C2; Wegars 1995:54.

McCully Fork Chinese Encampment. McCully Fork Chinese Encampment was where McCully Fork joins the Powder River within the Sumpter Mining District west of the town of Sumpter. The Chinese worked the tailings resulting from hydraulic mining. Reference: “Celestials: The Chinese in Baker County”; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Sparta, Oregon,1985.

McEwen Chinatown. McEwen Chinatown was part of McEwen, a small gold mining town on the Powder River about five miles southeast of Sumpter. The Chinatown supported Chinese activity in nearby Upper Burnt Creek, Rock Creek, and Sumpter Mining Districts. Ah Fong, who owned a store there, was the last Chinese in the town by 1910. Reference: Baker County Library. Baker City, Oregon. Record No. 582/907. Object No. 1992.1.838.; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Phillips Lake, Oregon, 1984; Wegars 1995: 13.

Minersville Chinese Encampment. Minersville Chinese Encampment was located on the East Fork of Miners Creek, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of McEwen. It was in the Sumpter/Rock Creek Mining Districts, an area characterized by numerous hard rock mines with mine tailings in the Powder River. Reference: Anonymous 2004; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Phillips Lake, Oregon, 1984.

Packwood Ditch. Packwood Ditch brought water from Eagle Creek to the Kooster, Shanghai, and Powder River mines. It was constructed by as many as 300 Chinese laborers. Reference: Mead 2006: 108.

Poker Gulch. The seasonal stream of Poker Gulch flows southward into the Powder River near the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Poker Gulch appears as Poker Creek on current U.S.G.S. series 7.5’ maps. Baker County records and map information indicate the Chinese conducted mining activity in the gulch. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 200; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Blue Canyon, Oregon,1993.

Rye Valley Chinatown. Rye Valley Chinatown was a part of the community of Rye Valley which was located on North Fork of Dixie Creek. It provided support to the Chinese miners who worked the Lower Burnt River Valley and Mormon Basin Mining Districts. The area experienced widespread placer mining from the 1880s to the turn of the century. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; Steeves 1984: 119; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Rye Valley, Oregon,1988.

Shanghai Channel. Shanghai Channel was an alternate name for Shanghai Gulch that eventually became known as Shanghai Creek. Chinese miners worked the area from the 1870s to the early 1890s. Reference: Steeves 1984: 205.

Shanghai Creek. Shanghai Creek flows northeast into Eagle Creek approximately one mile north of Sparta Butte in the Sparta/Eagle Creek Mining District. The first Chinese mining claim was filed in 1872 and soon thereafter they owned much of the claims in the Eagle Creek Mining District. Evidence of Chinese residences as well as artifacts, suggests that the name was derived from their presence. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Edson 1974; Steeves 1984: 68-93, 203-205; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Sparta Butte, Oregon, 1988; Wagner, N.S. 1943.

Shanghai Falls. Shanghai Falls is the narrow, steep-sided portion of Shanghai Creek as it flows through Shanghai Gulch. The falls begin about 2000 feet upstream from where the creek joins Eagle Creek. The place name is derived from its water source, Shanghai Creek. The loss of 1000 feet in elevation within 2000 feet offers a spectacular sight in the rainy season. Reference: Steeves 1984: 87.

Shanghai Gulch. Shanghai Gulch was an early name for Shanghai Creek, a tributary to Eagle Creek. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Sparta Butte, Oregon, 1988.

South China Spring. South China Spring is approximately one mile southeast of China Creek in the Upper Burnt River Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Beaverdam Creek, Oregon, 1984.

Sparta Chinatown. Sparta Chinatown, with a population that reached about 1000, was located in the mining town of Sparta. The residents of Chinatown worked primarily as miners and laborers, usually in the Sparta and Eagle Creek Mining Districts. The Chinatown population decreased rapidly as railroad and ditch construction projects ended and the yield of gold from local mines declined. A fire in 1917 destroyed most of the buildings in Sparta as well as the Chinatown. The photograph at the top of the page shows Sparta Chinatown resident Ah Wing in traditional Chinese attire playing a san hsien (three string). Reference: Bradley n.d.; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; Meade 2006: 109; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Sparta, Oregon,1985.

Sparta Ditch. Sparta Ditch connected Eagle Creek to the Thorn Gulch mines. Approximately 300 Chinese laborers were involved in its construction in 1871. The ditch was 32 miles in length. Reference: Evans 1993: 6; Varon n.d.; Wegars 1995: 56-57.

Sumpter Chinatown. Sumpter Chinatown was located on the west side of Cracker Creek in the town of Sumpter. Chinese miners were working placer deposits of gold in the area by 1874. The Chinatown had stores, a restaurant, residences, and a civic organization. By 1917, gold production from the mines was minimal with a fire destroying much of Sumpter as well as Chinatown. Reference: Baker County Library. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 192.1.541; Wegars 1995: 11, 24.

Sumpter Chinese Cemetery. The Sumpter Chinese Cemetery was on Auburn Street in the town of Sumpter. Disinterment and shipping of the remains occurred in1903 with the last occurring in the 1930s. Reference: Wegars 1995: 24-25.

Sumpter Valley Railroad. Sumpter Valley Railroad was built by Chinese laborers, starting in 1890. It extended from Baker City to Prairie City, arriving in 1896. Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 39.

Union Creek Chinese Mining Site. Union Creek flows into today’s Phillips Lake on the Powder River. Chinese placer mining in the area was evident as indicated by numerous Chinese artifacts. Reference: Steeves 1984: 102-105, 210.

Wing Hing Yuen Company Store. The Wing Hing Yuen Company Store is one of the few identified businesses in the Baker City Chinatown. The store provided general merchandise to the community from the turn of the century to the 1940s. Reference: Baker County Library. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 2008.13.122.

White Swan Mine. White Swan Mine is an incorrect name for the Lily White Mine. See Lily White Mine Disaster, Baker County.

References
Alexander, Maud Grant. 1972. Uncle Dave Discovers Gold. Pendleton, Oregon: Eastern Oregonian Publications Company.

Baker County Library. Baker City, Oregon. Record No. 582/907. Object No. 1992.1.838. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 2008.2.1. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______, Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 1981.1.6806. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 2008.13.122. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 192.1.541. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______. Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 192.1.541. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

_______, Baker City, Oregon. Object No. 2008.2.8. http://www.bakerlib.org. Accessed October 27, 2010.

Barlow, Jeffrey and Christine Richardson. 1979. China Doctor of John Day. Portland, Oregon: Binford and Mort.

Bradley, Phyllis. n.d. “Unrefined Sparta in the 19th Century.” http://www.oregongenealogoy. Com/baker/Sparta/index.htm/ Accessed November 4, 2010.

Britton, Lisa. 2005. "Chinese Wall on Union Creek." Baker City Herald, July 13.

Brooks, Howard. 2007. A Pictorial History of Gold Mining in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. Baker City, Oregon: Baker County Historical Society.

“Celestials: The Chinese in Baker County.” http://www.oregongenealogy.com/baker/chinese.htm/ Accessed October 15, 2010.

Developing Public Art in Oregon’s Rural Communities. 2000. Oregon Arts Commission. http://www.oregonartscommission.org/pdf/RuralPublicArt2000.pdf/ Accessed March 10, 2011.

Dielman, Gary. 2008. “Discovering Gold in Baker County Library’s 1870-1930s Photograph Collection.” Oregon Historical Quarterly, Spring: 88-87.

Eastern Oregon Mining Association. 1999. Oregon Gold Mining: Baker County Gold Districts. http://www.h2oaccess.com/ Accessed November 18, 2010.

Edson, Christopher H. 1974. The Chinese in Eastern Oregon. San Francisco: R&E Research Association.

Evans, Jim. 1993. “University of Idaho Expert Tells of Chinese History.” Baker City Herald. August 25.

Historic Sumpter. 2003. http://www.historicsumpter.com/sumpter-oregon-gold-rush.html/ Accessed October 27, 2010.

Jaehnig, Manfred E. W. 1997. Evaluation of Archaeological Deposits at The Gimlet Placer Chinese Site, OR-BA-11, Baker County, Oregon. La Grande, Oregon: Mount Emily Archaeological Services.

Leo Adler Memorial Parkway . n.d. http://www.leoadlerparkway.com/History.asp/ Accessed March 10, 2011.

McArthur, Lewis. 1982. 5th ed. Oregon Geographic Names. Oregon: The Press of the Oregon Historical Society.

McConnell, Gregory. 1979. “An Historical Geography of the Chinese in Oregon.” Masters thesis, University of Oregon.

Mead, George. 2006. A History of Union County with An appendix the Chinese in Oregon. LaGrande, Oregon: E-Cat Worlds.

Nokes, R. Gregory. 2009. Massacred for Gold. Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University Press.

Nokes, R. Gregory. 1995. “Keeping the Lily White Gold Mine Story Alive.” The Oregonian. December 21, C2.

North Fork Malheur Geographic Management Area. 2007. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Vale District, Malheur Resource Area. http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale/plans/files/finalNFMGMA_EA.pdf/ Accessed December 13, 2010.

Sanborn Insurance Map. 1903. Sumpter. New York: Sanborn Map and Publishing Company Limited.

Steele, Jerry. 1993. “Cemetery Question Rests with County.” Baker City Herald. December 16.

Steeves, Laban R. 1984. “Chinese Gold Miners of Northeastern Oregon, 1862-1900.” Masters thesis, University of Oregon.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Blue Canyon, Oregon, 1993.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Beaverdam Creek, Oregon,1984.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Bourne, Oregon, 1984.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ Series, Bridgeport, Oregon, 1990.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Greenhorn, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Phillips Lake, Oregon, 1984.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Richland, Oregon, 1984.

_______. Quadrangle. 7.5' series, Rye Valley, Oregon, 1988.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Sparta Butte, Oregon, 1988.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Susanville, Oregon, 1999.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Unity Reservoir, Oregon, 1984.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Whitney, Oregon, 1984.

Varon, Jodi n.d. http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/sparta_ditch/ Accessed November 3, 2013.

“Voice of the River Resonates in Baker City.” Oregon News. 2008. http://www.nps.gov/pwro/rtca/OR-state-fact-sheet-7.10.08.pdf/ Accessed March 10, 2011.

Wagner, N.S. 1943. Shanghai Gulch Placer Mine. Oregon Department of Geology and Mines Information, unpublished file report, Baker Field office.

Wegars, Priscilla. 1995. The Ah Hee Diggings: Final Report of the Archaeological Investigations at OR-GR-16, the Granite, Oregon “Chinese Walls” Site, 1992-1994. Moscow, Idaho: University of Idaho Anthropology Reports.

Wesley, Andrews. 1949. “Baker City in the Eighties.” Oregon Historical Quarterly. Vol. 50: 84-97.

Benton County


Corvallis Chinatown. Corvallis Chinatown was centered on today’s SW Second Street and SW Jefferson Avenue in the town of Corvallis by at least 1880. At that time, there were four Chinese laundries in operation. By the 1880s, Chinatown was the home of clerks, railroad and construction workers, and business men. The business directories listed six Chinese stores: Hong Wah Company, Hop Sing Company, Wing Yet Company, Hop Sang and Company, Hop Wa, and Hop Gee. There were only five residents remaining in 1910 with the entire Chinatown destroyed by fire in the 1920s. Corvallis Chinatown is within the boundaries of Avery-Helm Historic District. Reference: Benton County Historical Society and Museum; “Chinese Americans in Corvallis n.d.”; Miller 2009; National Register of Historic Places Listings in Benton County, Oregon 2009; Sojourners in Corvallis.

References
Benton County Historical Society and Museum. 1867-1932 Business Directories. http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/research/directoyresults.cfm/ Accessed July 4, 2014.

“Chinese Americans in Corvallis n.d.” Corvallis Community Pages. http://www.corvalliscommunitypages.com/ Accessed November 23, 2010.

Miller, Marilee. 2009. “The Corvallis Gazette, Corvallis, Oregon.” Coos County and Oregon History. http://coquillevalley.org/history/years-ago/covallisgazette/ Accessed November 29, 2010.

National Register of Historic Places Listings in Benton County, Oregon. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Benton_County,_Oregon/ Accessed November 30, 2010.

Sojourners in Corvallis: Early Chinese Importance in Corvallis, Oregon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA3Y94rHYr0/ Accessed August 4, 2014.

Clackamus County

Jackson Street Mural. The Jackson Street Mural was located at 10801 SE Main Street in the town of Milwaukie. The mural faced Jackson Street. Completed in 2001, the public art prominently depicted the cherries developed by Ah Bing at the Lewelling Nursery. The mural no longer exists. Reference: West n.d. “Milwaukie, Oregon.”

Lewelling Nursery. In the 1870s, Seth Lewelling of Milwaukie cultivated 100 acres of nursery stock. The foreman was Ah Bing who was in charge of the nursery’s 20-30 Chinese laborers. Lewelling planted two rows of experimental cherries, with Bing responsible for one row. Lewelling named the variety produced in Bing’s row in honor of the foreman. Reference: Olson 1930s.

Oregon City Canal. See Willamette Falls Locks, Clackamas County.

Oregon City Woolen Manufacturing Company. The Oregon City Woolen Manufacturing Company, established in 1865, was on the Willamette River in Oregon City. In 1868, it became the first textile manufacturer in the state to hire Chinese workers. Reference: Ooligan Press and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association 2007: 56.

Oswego Iron Works. Oswego Iron Works of Oregon City, also known as Oswego Iron Company, is reported as the first industry in the Northwest to employ Chinese in a foundry and nearby iron mine. Starting in 1867, 18 Chinese began work in the mine. By 1888, there were as many as 150 Chinese workers, mostly in the charcoal-making process. The iron furnace is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reference: Corning 1973: 177; Tucker 2002; National Registry of Historic Places n.d.

Willamette Falls Locks. Willamette Falls Locks, also known as the Oregon City Canal, is located on the Willamette River between West Linn and Oregon City. Chinese labor was used in the construction, being completed in 1872, and opening on January 1, 1873. The locks are on the National Registry of Historic Places and a Oregon Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Reference: McConnell 1979: 74; West n.d. “Oregon City Oregon.”

References
Corning, Howard McKinley. 1973. Willamette Landings. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society.

McConnell, Gregory. 1979. “An Historical Geography of the Chinese in Oregon.” Masters thesis, University of Oregon.

Miller, Marilee. 2009. “The Corvallis Gazette, Corvallis, Oregon.” Coos County and Oregon History. http://coquillevalley.org/history/years-ago/covallisgazette/ Accessed November 29, 2010.

National Registry of Historic Places. n.d. “Oregon Iron Company.” http://nrhp.focus.nps/natregsearchresult.do?fullsheet:true&recordid=0/ Accessed December 5, 2010.

Olson, Charles Oluf. 1930s. The History of Milwaukie, Oregon. Federal Writers Project of the Works in Progress Administration, (date estimated).

Ooligan Press and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. 2007. Dreams of the West. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, Portland State University.

Tucker, 2002. “Oswego Iron Works.” The Oregon History Project. http://www.ohs.org/education/oregonhistory/historical_records/dspDocument.cfm?doc_ID=0000436F-F705-1DBE-BB3880B05272FE9F/ Accessed December 5, 2010.

West, Robert D. n.d. “Milwaukie, Oregon.” Places. http://myweb.msoe.edu/~westr/milwaukie.htm Accessed December 5, 2010.

_______. n.d. “Oregon City Oregon.” Places. http://myweb.msoe.edu/~westr/oregon.htm/ Accessed December 5, 2010.

Clatsop County


Astoria Chinatown. Astoria Chinatown was located in the swampy area at the corner of Concomly and Washington Street (today’s 6th and Astor) by 1877. Its center was at Chenamus and Main (today’s 9th and Bond). It consisted of a several businesses, a boarding house, mess hall, laundry, and cabins. The Chinese worked outside the Chinatown in the fisheries, shoe manufacturing, and as laborers. The area was renovated with the Chinese being displaced by 1879 with some relocating to Upper Astoria. Astoria Chinatown is within the boundaries of Astoria Downtown Historic District. Representative businesses of Astoria Chinatown were: Hop Hing Lung Company opened in 1889. Lum Quing Grocery Company opened in 1908. Reference: National Register of Historic Places Listings in Clatsop County, Oregon 2009; Penner 1990: 26, 27, 29, 52, 63.

Astoria Chinese Burial Site. The site was on a hill near present-day 16th Street in the City of Astoria. There were at least five grave sites at the location by October 1876 when a Ching Ming celebration was conducted. Reference: Penner 1990: 25.

Astoria Chinese Gardens. Astoria Chinese Gardens was located in the area of today’s Harrison Drive loop in the City of Astoria. The gardeners provided fresh vegetables to Astoria Chinatown and the general population. A housing tract replaced the gardens after World War II. Reference: Penner 2011.

Chinese Bunk House, Elmore Cannery. Chinese Bunk House at Elmore Cannery in Astoria was built in 1915 to house Chinese who worked at the cannery. They were the majority of workers. The building became the cannery office and was destroyed by fire in 1984. The cannery is one of the most well documented of the Columbia River canneries. Reference: “Astoria Warehousing Inc. Area.”

Garden of Surging Waves. The Garden of Surging Waves commemorates the Chinese heritage of Astoria. It is located in the northwest corner of Heritage Square between Duane, Exchange, 11th and 12th Streets, adjacent to City Hall. The open space with artwork and walking paths is within the newly developed Heritage Park at 9th Street and Astor Street. The opening ceremony took place on May 17, 2014. Reference: http://astoriachineseheritage.org/ Accessed June 27, 2014.

Kinney Cannery. Kinney Cannery was at No. 1 Sixth Street. The cannery began operation in 1876 and had a workforce that was almost exclusively Chinese. The site was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1989. Image Reference: Lockley 1928, vol. 2: 98; “No. 1 Sixth Street.”

Upper Astoria Chinatown. By 1880, the Upper Astoria Chinatown was clearly identifiable with a Chinese population of 924. Reference: Penner 1990: 63.

West Astoria Chinese Gardens. West Astoria Chinese Gardens were located near Smith Point, close to today’s W. Marine Drive in the City of Astoria during the late 1800s. Like Astoria Chinese Gardens, the growers provided fresh vegetable to the surrounding community. Reference: Penner 2011.

References
“Astoria Warehousing Inc. Area.” Astoria’s History Along the Tracks. http://homepage.mac.com/cear/trolley/ahistory.html/ Accessed February 28, 2011.

Lockley, Fred. 1928, History of the Columbia River Valley, From the Dalles to the Sea. Vol. 2. Chicago, Illinois: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company.

National Register of Historic Places Listings in Clatsop County, Oregon. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Clatsop_County,_Oregon/ Accessed November 30, 2010.

“No. 1 Sixth Street.” Astoria’s History Along the Tracks. http://homepage.mac.com/cear/trolley/ahistory.html/ Accessed February 28, 2011.

Ooligan Press and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. 2007. Dreams of the West. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, Portland State University.

Penner, Liisa. 1990. The Chinese in Astoria, Oregon, 1870-1880. Astoria, Oregon.

Penner, Liisa. 2011. Email communication.

Columbia County


Oak Point Chinese Residence.
The 1880 U.S. Census lists 18 Chinese living in one residence in the town of Oak Point, all employed as cannery workers. The names given below are those recorded by the census taker. It would appear that the census taker had some difficulty with the Chinese names.

Reference: Columbia County Oregon: History and Genealogy 1986.

Rainier Chinese Residence.
The 1880 U.S. Census lists 20 Chinese living in a single residence in the town of Rainier. The following are their names and occupation stated in the census. Note that some names are the same as those in Oak Point.

Reference: Columbia County Oregon: History and Genealogy 1986.

Reference
Columbia County Oregon: History and Genealogy. 1986. “Index of the 1880 Census of Columbia County, Oregon.” http://www.oregongeneeaology.com/columbia/census/cindex.htm/ Accessed December 6, 2010.

Coos County


Agate Beach Chinese Jade Mine.
Agate Beach Chinese Jade Mine was above Agate Beach near the town of Gold Beach. Chinese miners in the 1800s reportedly mined jade (nephrite), shipping it to China. Reference: Southern Oregon.com.

Chetco River Chinese Mining Camp. Chinese placer miners established a camp on the Chetco River between the towns of Brookings and Harbor. Reference: Douthit 1999.

China Bar. China Bar is located on the Rogue River about one half mile above the mouth of Mule Creek. The bar was named for Chow Long who lived in the area. Reference: McArthur and McArthur 2003: 198; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ Series, Kelsey Peak, Oregon, 1998.

China Creek. China Creek empties into the Pacific Ocean at Samuel Boardman State Park, north of the town of Brookings. An early placer gold site, mining at China Creek dates to 1852-1853. Reference: Bright 1961: 215; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Carpenterville, Oregon, 1998.

China Bar Rapids. China Bar Rapids are located between China Bar and Mule Creek. The rapids are approximately 0.2 miles in length and ranked as class III. It was named after nearby China Bar. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Marial, Oregon, 1998.

China Mountain. China Mountain has a northwest-southeast trend with peaks at 1388 feet above sea level. It lies between Chap Creek and Hubbard Creek about four miles southeast of the town of Port Orford. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Orford, Oregon, 1980.

China Mountain Road. China Mountain Road is located in the town of Port Orford. Its name is derived from China Mountain that lies east of the town. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Orford, Oregon, 1980.

China Peak. China Peak is 2040 feet above sea level on Moon Mountain. It is about nine miles east of the town of Port Oxford. Its shape is roughly that of the peasant hat worn by early Chinese immigrants. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Butler, Oregon, 1980.

References
Bright, Verne. 1961. “Blue Mountain Eldorados: Auburn: 1861.” Oregon Historical Quarterly, September: 213-228.

Douthit, Nathan. 1999. A Guide to Oregon South Coast History. Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University Press.

McArthur, Lewis A. and Lewis L. McArthur. 2003. Oregon Geographic Names. 7th ed. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press.

Southern Oregon.com. "Gold Beach, Oregon." http://www.southernoregon.com/goldbeach/index.html/ Accessed July 5, 2014.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Carpenterville, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Kelsey Peak, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Marial, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Butler, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Oxford, Oregon, 1980.

Curry County


Agate Beach Chinese Jade Mine.
Agate Beach Chinese Jade Mine was above Agate Beach near the town of Gold Beach. Chinese miners in the 1800s reportedly mined jade (nephrite), shipping it to China. Reference: Southern Oregon.com.

Chetco River Chinese Mining Camp. Chinese placer miners established a camp on the Chetco River between the towns of Brookings and Harbor. Reference: Douthit 1999.

China Bar. China Bar is located on the Rogue River about one half mile above the mouth of Mule Creek. The bar was named for Chow Long who lived in the area. Reference: McArthur and McArthur 2003: 198; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ Series, Kelsey Peak, Oregon, 1998.

China Creek. China Creek empties into the Pacific Ocean at Samuel Boardman State Park, north of the town of Brookings. An early placer gold site, mining at China Creek dates to 1852-1853. Reference: Bright 1961: 215; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Carpenterville, Oregon, 1998.

China Bar Rapids. China Bar Rapids are located between China Bar and Mule Creek. The rapids are approximately 0.2 miles in length and ranked as class III. It was named after nearby China Bar. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Marial, Oregon, 1998.

China Mountain. China Mountain has a northwest-southeast trend with peaks at 1388 feet above sea level. It lies between Chap Creek and Hubbard Creek about four miles southeast of the town of Port Orford. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Orford, Oregon, 1980.

China Mountain Road. China Mountain Road is located in the town of Port Orford. Its name is derived from China Mountain that lies east of the town. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Orford, Oregon, 1980.

China Peak. China Peak is 2040 feet above sea level on Moon Mountain. It is about nine miles east of the town of Port Oxford. Its shape is roughly that of the peasant hat worn by early Chinese immigrants. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Butler, Oregon, 1980.

References
Bright, Verne. 1961. “Blue Mountain Eldorados: Auburn: 1861.” Oregon Historical Quarterly, September: 213-228.

Douthit, Nathan. 1999. A Guide to Oregon South Coast History. Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University Press.

McArthur, Lewis A. and Lewis L. McArthur. 2003. Oregon Geographic Names. 7th ed. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press.

Southern Oregon.com. "Gold Beach, Oregon." http://www.southernoregon.com/goldbeach/index.html/ Accessed July 5, 2014.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Carpenterville, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Kelsey Peak, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Marial, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Butler, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Port Oxford, Oregon, 1980.

Deschutes County


China Hat. China Hat is an 80,000 year old volcanic dome southeast of the City of Bend within the Deschutes National Forest. The 6573 feet above sea level peak supported a fire lookout tower until the 1930s. Its name was probably derived from its shape, being similar to the conical farmer-style hat worn by Chinese in the second half of the 1800s. The peak, with its distinctive shape, served as a landmark indicator when travelling in the Fort Rock-Bend area. Reference: Interview, February 10, 2011; Jensen 1995: 148-49; McArthur and McArthur 2003: 199; U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, China Hat, Oregon, 1990.

China Hat Recreation Area. China Hat Recreation Area is on the south side of China Hat at its base. The area has a campground and hiking trails. There are also lava tubes and ice caves. The area is accessible via China Hat Road. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, China Hat, Oregon, 1990.

China Hat Road. China Hat Road (Forest Service Road 18) extends southeastward from the City of Bend, past China Hat, continuing to Fort Rock where it becomes Cabin Lake Road. Much of the current road extending from Bend to China Hat itself consists of parts of the Brooks-Scanlon logging mainline railroad built after 1914. The initial work on the road from China Hat to Cabin Lake Road was accomplished by Fort Rock homesteaders led by George Reels in 1915. Reference: Brogan 1969: 2; Gould 1915.

Hi Loy Mercantile. Hi Loy Mercantile is part of the Spirit of the West exhibit in the High Desert Museum on Highway 97 in the City of Bend. The store is modeled after a 1880s Chinese-owned business that typically sold Chinese goods, hand tools for mining, food stuffs, etc. The store also advertises itself as a labor contractor. Reference: High Desert Museum 2010.

References
Brogan, Phil F. 1969. Visitor Information Service Book for the Deschutes National Forest.

Gould, Robert B. 1915. Map of the Deschutes Valley Central Oregon.

High Desert Museum. 2010. http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/ Accessed October 12, 2010.

Interview. February 10, 2011. Historian/archeologist, USDA Forest Service, Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District.

Jensen, Robert A. 1995. Roadside Guide to the Geology of the Newberry Volcano. Bend, Oregon: CenOreGeoPub.

McArthur, Lewis A. and Lewis L. McArthur. 2003 7th ed. Oregon Geographic Names. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, China Hat, Oregon,1982.

Douglas County



China Creek. China Creek flows westward into Council Creek about 1¼ miles south of Cornutt. The area experienced wide-spread mining activity dating to the late 1800s. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Nickel Mountain, Oregon, 1986.

China Creek Road. China Creek Road parallels China Creek south of Cornutt. Its name is taken from China Creek. Reference: “China Creek Road”; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Nickel Mountain, Oregon, 1986.

China Ditch Driving/Walking Loop. China Ditch extended from the headwaters of Cavitt Creek to North Myrtle Creek. The five foot deep, 30 mile long canal, including a 400 foot tunnel, was intended to bring water for hydraulic mining, irrigation, and to serve as a lumber flume for the town of Myrtle Creek. By 1891, there were as many as 200 Chinese working on the project. The ditch was three miles short of completion when the project ceased operation in 1894. China Ditch is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reference: “China Ditch History”; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Dixonville, Oregon, 1987; _______. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Lane Mountain, Oregon, 1998; _______. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Myrtle Creek, Oregon, 1987.

Clearwater River Chinese Massacre. The Clearwater River, a 15 mile-long tributary of the North Umpqua River approximately 50 miles east of Roseburg, was the site of the massacre. Approximately 30 Chinese were killed in 1877 by a band of Native Americans. Reference: Penner 1990: 27.

References
“China Creek Road.” MapQuest. http://www.mapquest.com./ Accessed December 15, 2010.

“China Ditch History.” Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/chinaditch/history.php/ Accessed December 12, 2010.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Dixonville, Oregon, 1987.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Lane Mountain, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Myrtle Creek, Oregon, 1987.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Nickel Mountain, Oregon, 1986.

Gilliam County

China Creek. China Creek is an intermittent stream approximately 5.5 miles in length that extends from the town of Arlington southeast through Alkali Canyon. It was initially known as China Ditch. See China Ditch, Gilliam County. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, Arlington, Oregon/Washington, 1971.

China Creek Golf Course. The 18 hole golf course derives its name from nearby China Creek. Reference: http://www.golflink.com/

China Ditch. Chinese laborers constructed a drainage ditch adjacent to the Condon branch of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in 1904. The canal, trending southeast, goes through the town of Arlington and Alkali Canyon. Subsequently, a Chinese family operated a laundry next to the ditch, causing it to be known as China Ditch. Reference: McArthur and McArthur 2003: 198-199.

References
China Creek Golf Course. http://www.golflink.com/ Accessed 3/24/2012.

McArthur, Lewis A. and Lewis L. McArthur. 2003. Oregon Geographic Names. 7th ed. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Arlington, Oregon/Washington, 1971.

Grant County


Ah Hee Diggings. Ah Hee Diggings is about one mile north of the community of Granite, next to Granite Creek in the Granite Mining District. Covering approximately 60 acres, the site shows evidence of Chinese living facilities, a mess hall, extensive ditch system, and rows of stacked rock. Records indicate Chinese had worked claims in the area as early as 1867. (See Chinese Walls, Grant County). Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Wegars 1995: 34-38, 61-64.

Ah Hee Reservoir. Ah Hee Reservoir was on Granite Creek within the Granite Mining District. It was a water holding facility used for hydraulic mining, feed by small ditches from Granite Creek and Last Chance Creek. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Wegars 1995: 127.

Ah Hee Walls. Ah Hee Walls, also known as Chinese Walls, are located within the Ah Hee Diggings and is the result of Chinese miners hand-stacking rocks in a manner that appears to form walls. The rocks are concentrated by hydraulic mining and must be moved in order to retrieve the gold and/or allow for further hydraulic and placer mining. See Ah Hee Diggings, Grant County. Reference: Wegars 1995: 42.

Blue Gulch. The stream in Blue Gulch flows northward into Canyon Creek north of Canyon City in the Canyon Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicate Chinese mining activity in the gulch. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, John Day, Oregon, 1995.

Canton Street. Canton Street (today’s NW Canton Street) was the main street of the John Day Chinatown. See John Day Chinatown, Grant County. Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 92.

Canyon Creek. Canyon Creek flows north past Canyon City where it joins the John Day River. It was the center of the Canyon Creek Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicate the Chinese mined the creek. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, John Day, Oregon, 1995.

Canyon City Chinatown. Canyon City Chinatown began shortly after 1862 when gold was discovered nearby in what became known as the Canyon Creek Mining District. The Chinatown had several hundred occupants, mostly from Sze Yup District near Canton, China. When Canyon City Chinatown burned in 1885, the Sze Yup relocated to John Day Chinatown where they became the dominant group, displacing those from Sam Yup. (See John Day Chinatown, Grant County). Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 9, 12, 25; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999.

China Cap. China Cap is a peak standing 3490 feet above sea level. It’s somewhat conical shape has an appearance similar to the peasant hat worn by Chinese in the 1800s. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, Turner Mountain, Oregon, 1980.

China Diggings Mine. China Diggings Mine is on the west side of nearby Granite Boulder Creek within the Greenhorn Mining District. It was a site of Chinese placer gold mining. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Wagner 1945; U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, Boulder Butte, Oregon, 1995.

China Ditch. The ditch/canal was constructed by Chinese in order to bring water to the hydraulic mining that took place near Prairie City within the nearby Canyon Creek Mining District during the late 1800s. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Edson 1974: 19.

China Gulch. China Gulch flows into Granite Creek within the Granite Mining District. The gulch itself was the site of extensive gold mining activity. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995.

China Hat Spring. China Hat Spring is located between Widows Creek in the west and Wikiup Creek in the east. The spring is within the Canyon Creek Mining District. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Big Weasel Spring, Oregon, 1998.

China Meadow. China Meadow is in the Granite Mining District and lies between McCarty Creek and Wagner Gulch approximately ½ mile northwest of the community of Granite. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Silver Butte, Oregon, 1980.

China Peak. China Peak stands 4449 feet above sea level between Cottonwood Creek and Straight Creek. Its roughly conical shape has an appearance similar to the peasant hat worn by Chinese in the 1800s. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ Series, Courthouse Rock, Oregon, 1980.

Chinaman Trail. Chinaman Trail trends in a northerly direction from the aqueduct connecting Olive Lake and North Fork Creek in the North Fork Mining District. Placer gold mining began in the district in 1860s. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Olive Lake, Oregon, 1980.

Chinese Walls. Chinese Walls are between the North Fork John Day Campground and the town of Granite along an eight mile stretch of National Service Forest Road 73. The walls were created by Chinese placer miners who removed and stacked rocks from and along Granite Creek in their effort to retrieve gold. Reference: “Recreational Opportunities: Blue Mountains Scenic Bypass.”; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Trout Meadows, Oregon, 1995.

Dixie Creek Chinese Mines. Dixie Creek flows southward through Prairie City into the John Day River in the Quartzburg Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicate Chinese mining activity along Dixie Creek. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Prairie City, Oregon, 1996.

Dixie Meadow Mine. Dixie Meadow Mine is on North Fork Dixie Creek that flows into Dixie Creek within the Quartzburg Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicate Chinese mining activity in and around the mine. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Dixie Meadows, Oregon, 1996.

Dutch Flat. Dutch Flat is adjacent to Dutch Flat Creek that flows northeast into North Powder River. Grant County records indicate that Chinese miners were active in the area. Reference: Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Rock Creek, Oregon, 1984.

Granite City Chinatown. Granite Chinatown was on the upper part of today’s Main Street in Granite City. The Chinatown consisted of stores, a butcher shop, tailor, residences, etc., serving the needs of the Chinese miners in the Granite Mining District. The 1870 census reported 365 Chinese with the 1910 census indicating no Chinese living there. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995; Wegars 1995: 38, 43.

Granite Creek. Granite Creek has hydraulic mine tailings extending about three miles along its course near Granite City. It was the center of the Granite Creek Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicate the Chinese placer mined throughout. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995.

Happy Camp Chinese Mine. Happy Camp Chinese Mine was located on Dixie Creek, a tributary of Eagle Creek, and was near the North Fork Mining District. Chinese miners reworked the tailings from an earlier hydraulic mining effort. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 148.

Harve Fields Ranch. Harve Fields, owner of one of the earliest ranches in the John Day Valley, hired only Chinese who worked as sheepherders, cowboys, and cooks. A Chinese with the nickname, “Buckaroo Sam,” was the ranch foreman. Sam spent years also working at the Stuart Ranch. He was a contemporary of Doc Hay. (See Kam Wah Chung & Co. Building, Grant County). Reference: Ooligan Press and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association 2007: 44-45; Parks, Annette White 1985.

Horseshoe Bar. Horseshoe Bar is located at the mouth of Horseshoe Creek where it joins North Fork Malheur River near the Canyon Creek Mining District. The area was hydraulic mined in the 1880s. Grant Count records indicate Chinese miners worked the area. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Little Baldy Mountain, Oregon, 1998.

Humbolt Mine. The Humboldt Mine, established in 1862, was one of the earliest along Canyon Creek in the Canyon Creek Mining District. It was originally a placer operation and by the 1880s, it employed hydraulic mining techniques. The Chinese who worked there received 5-10% of the annual yield as their share. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 113.

Ing Hay Way. Ing Hay Way joins NW Canton Street in the town of John Day. The 100 foot-long road leads to the Kam Wah Chung & Co. building. Reference: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 2009.

John Day Chinatown. By 1887, the John Day Chinatown had three stores, a Joss house, laundry, and vegetable gardens. A fish pond and duck pond occupied depressions left from gold dredging. At its height, the population was 500-600, with those from the Sze Yup district near Canton, China displacing those from the Sam Yup District, China. By 1940, the population was less than 20. The site of the Chinatown is now the John Day City Park. (See Canton Street, Grant County). Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 9, 13, 40, 41; Wegars 1995: 26.

John Day Joss House. John Day Joss House was a one story structure near the Kam Wah Chung & Co. building in the John Day Chinatown. The Taoist temple was the spiritual focus of the Chinatown. Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 111.

Junction Bar. Junction Bar is located at Junction Creek where the creek enters South Fork John Day River near the Canyon Creek Mining District. Grant County records indicate Chinese mined the area. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Suplee Butte, Oregon, 1992.

Kam Wah Chung & Co. Building. Located in the John Day Chinatown, the structure was built in 1866-1867 by Chinese. Its thick walls and iron shutters on the exterior of the building suggest it was originally a fortified trading post along the Dallas-Boise Military Road. The building was purchased by Chinese in 1889, eventually becoming the Kam Wah Chung & Co. store. A second story was added to the store in the 1890s in anticipation of an increase in business resulting from new nearby gold discoveries and the prospect of railroad construction. The increase and railroad did not occur. The last owners were Ing “Doc” Hay, an herbalist, and Lung On, a business man who became the first in John Day to install a telephone and electricity. Through the years, the building served as a general store, medical office, hiring hall, and post office. After the death of Lung On in 1940, Ing Hay continued to operate the store until 1948 when illness caused him to relocate to Portland. Upon his death in 1952, his heir effectively sealed the store, deeding it to the City of John Day in 1955 with the stipulation that it become a museum. (See Kam Wah Chung & Co. Musuem).Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 13, 28-29, 39, 40; Hagemeier 2004: C1, C8; McConnell 1979: 57-58.

Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum. The Kam Wah Chung & Co. building served as a social and economic focus of the John Day Chinatown from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The heir of Ing Hay, the last owner, gave the building to the City of John Day in 1955. It sat closed and undisturbed for years. When work began on converting it to a museum in the 1970s, the building proved to be a time capsule containing a complete Chinese store of the nineteenth century. It held artifacts, documents, equipment, furniture, herbal remedies, food stuffs, dry goods, mining and carpentry tools and more. Having been the residence of Ing Hay, his daily life was preserved to include a small Taoist shrine. Converting the store into a museum involved Oregon State Parks and Recreation, Oregon Department of Transportation, National Park Service, American Revolution Bicentennial Committee, National Trust, Oregon Historical Society, and Friends of the Kam Wah Chung Museum. (See Kam Wah Chung & Co. Building, Grant County). Reference: Barlow and Richardson 1979: 13, 28-29, 96.

Lung On Car Dealership. Lung On’s Pontiac car dealership was on Main Street in the town of John Day. It was the first automobile dealership in Eastern Oregon and he was probably the first Chinese American auto dealer in the United States. Adjacent was his service station known as The Tourist Garage. Reference: Grant County, Oregon. History and Genealogy 1998; “Lung On (1863-1940)”; Powell 1990: 11.

Marysville Mining Area. The Marysville Mining area is in the Canyon Creek Mining District about two miles southeast of Canyon City. It was first mined in 1862. Chinese artifacts have been found throughout the area. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 116.

Monument Chinatown. Monument Chinatown in the community of Monument was on present-day Highway 402 at the North Fork John Day River. When the gold in that part of the Canyon Creek Mining District played out, the Chinese went to new areas. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Monument, Oregon, 1995.

Mount Vernon Chinatown. Mount Vernon Chinatown, in the community of Mount Vernon on Highway 26, was a short-lived concentration of Chinese. It quickly disappeared as gold mining in that portion of the Canyon Creek Mining District diminished. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Vernon, Oregon, 1998; Wegars 1995: 11.

Olive Creek. Olive Creek joins Clear Creek which flows into Granite Creek within the Granite Mining District. Grant County records and map information indicates Chinese miners worked the extensive placer deposits of Olive Creek. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995.

Oriental Creek. Oriental Creek flows south into North Fork of John Day River within the North Fork Mining District. There are considerable mine tailings in the area and the name, suggesting placer mining by the Chinese. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Kelsay Butte, Oregon, 1995.

Oriental Creek Campground and Trailhead. Oriental Creek Campground and Trailhead is at the mouth of Oriental Creek. The unimproved Forest Service campground is in the John Day Wilderness of Umatilla National Forest, approximately 24 miles southeast of Dale on Forest Service Road 5506. Reference: U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Kelsay Butte, Oregon, 1995.

Prairie City Chinatown. The small and ephemeral Prairie City Chinatown served the Chinese miners who worked in the nearby Greenhorn and Quartzburg Mining Districts. Grant County records indicate that the Chinese owned mining claims there. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; Steeves 1984: 201; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Prairie City, Oregon, 1996; Wegars 1995: 11.

Red Boy Mine. The Red Boy mine in the Greenhorn Mining District near Granite City was jointly mined by Chinese and Euro-Americans in 1882. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Steeves 1984: 147.

Rock Creek. Rock Creek joins the North Powder River in the Greenhorn Mining District. The creek has experienced extensive mining activity by Chinese. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Rock Creek Oregon,1984.

Ruby Creek Chinese Mine. Owned by the Chinese, the mine was a hydraulic mining operation in the Greenhorn Mining District. Two of the Chinese miners were hired to work as cooks at the Dixie Meadows Mine. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; Grant County, Oregon. History and Genealogy 1998; Steeves 1984: 148; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Dixie Meadows, Oregon,1996.

Salmon Creek Chinese Placer Mine. Salmon Creek Chinese Placer Mine is in the Greenhorn Mining District near the junction of Placer Ditch on Salmon Creek approximately one mile northwest of Robinsonville. The area has been extensively mined. Reference: “Celestials: The Chinese in Baker County” 2004; Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Vinegar Hill, Oregon, 1995.

Sparta Chinatown. Sparta Chinatown was in existence by 1874. It contained three stores, a doctor, temple, laundry, gambling houses and bordello. Reference: Wegars 1995: 11, 23.

Sparta Chinese Cemetery. The cemetery was on a little ridge across a meadow east of the old stone store building. All of the deceased were exhumed and returned to China. Reference: Wegars 1995: 23.

Susanville Chinatown. The short-lived Chinatown of Susanville supported the Chinese miners working along the Middle Fork John Day River in the Susanville and /Greenhorn Mining Districts. Reference: Eastern Oregon Mining Association 1999; McConnell 1979; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Susanville, Oregon, 1999; Wegars 1995: 11.

Wild Granite Chinese Walls Historic Site. Wild Granite Chinese Walls Historic Site is on the north side of National Forest Service Road 73 approximately 1.6 miles north of the town of Granite. The specific place is representative of the rock stacking done by Chinese placer miners in their effort to retrieve placer gold. On December 20, 1981, the National Park Service certified Chinese Walls as a national historic site. (See Chinese Walls, Grant County). Reference: “Wild Granite Chinese Walls Historic Site, n.d.; U.S.G.S. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995.

References .
Barlow, Jeffrey and Christine Richardson. 1979. China Doctor of John Day. Portland, Oregon: Binford and Mort.

“Celestials: The Chinese in Baker County.” http://www.oregongenealogy.com/baker/chinese.htm/ Accessed October 18, 2010.

Eastern Oregon Mining Association. 1999. Oregon Gold Mining: Grant County Gold Districts. http://www.h2oaccess.com/ Accessed November 1, 2010.

Edson, Christopher H. 1974. The Chinese in Eastern Oregon. San Francisco: R&E Research Associates.

Grant County, Oregon. History and Genealogy. 1998. http://www.gesswhoto.com/ Accessed November 2, 2010.

Hagemeier, Heidi. 2004. “Ghosts of Chinatown.” The Bulletin. May 16: C1, C8.

“Lung On (1863-1940).” Oregon Encyclopedia. http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/entry/view/lung_on_1863_1940_/ Accessed March 6, 2011.

McConnell, Gregory. 1979. “An Historical Geography of the Chinese in Oregon.” Masters thesis. University of Oregon.

Ooligan Press and Chinese Consoldiated Benevolent Association. 2007. Dreams of the West. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, Portland State University.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 2009. Kam Wah Chung Draft Plan. http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/masterplans/KWCDraftMasterPlanweb.pdf?ga=t/ Accessed November 29, 2010.

Parks, Annette White. 1985. “Emmet White; Reminiscences of a Rimrocker, Part IV.” Oregon Historical Qaurterly. Vol. 86, Summer.

Powell, Linda. 1990. Asian Americans in Oregon. Corvallis, Oregon: Agricultural Fiscal and Personnel Services, Oregon State University.

“Recreational Opportunities. Blue Mountains Scenic Bypass.” U.S. Forest Service, Umatilla National Forest. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/recreation/scenic_drives.shtml/ Accessed December 13, 2010.

Steeves, Laban R. 1984. “Chinese Gold Miners of Northeastern Oregon, 1862-1900.” Masters thesis. University of Oregon.

Wagner, N.S. 1945. Middle Fork of the John Day Placers. Oregon Division of Geology and Mines Information File Report.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Big Weasel Spring, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Dixie Meadows, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Courthouse Rock, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Granite, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Boulder Butte, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, John Day, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Kelsay Butte, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Little Baldy Mountain, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Monument, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Mount Vernon, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Olive Lake, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Prairie City, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Rock Creek, Oregon, 1984.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Silver Butte, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Suplee Butte, Oregon, 1992.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Susanville, Oregon, 1999.

_______. quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Trout Meadows, Oregon, 1995.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Turner Mountain, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle, 7.5’ series, Vinegar Hill, Oregon, 1995.

Wegars, Priscilla. 1995. The Ah Hee Diggings: Final Report of the Archaeological Investigations at OR-GR-16, the Granite, Oregon “Chinese Walls” Site, 1992-1994. Moscow, Idaho: University of Idaho Anthropology Reports.

“Wild Granite Chinese Walls Historic Site.” n.d. T8S Range 351/2 east of Willamette Meridian, Oregon. http://www.blm.gov/or/landrecords/or080s352ehwd.pdf/ Accessed December 15, 2010.

Harney County


China Cap Mine. China Cap Mine is a group of open pits in an area characterized by many prospects. It is a cinnabar (ore of mercury) mine, more recently known as Horsehead Mountain Mine. The China Cap portion of the place name is likely derived from the conical shape of a nearby peak. The peak’s shape is similar to that of the peasant-style hat worn by Chinese in the 1800s. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Goose Egg Butte, Oregon, 1986.

China Hill. China Hill is approximately two miles south of the community of Venator near Crane Creek. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Venator, Oregon, 1986.

China Hill Reservoir. China Hill Reservoir is on the eastern flank of China Hill. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Venator, Oregon, 1986.

China Lake. China Lake is an intermittent body of water covering about one square mile during the rainy season. It is approximately two miles northwest of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Chinese were known to collect various types of evaporate minerals such as borax from dry lakes in California. Reference: McDannold 2000: 185; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Squaw Butte, Oregon, 1980.

Rose Valley Borax Company. Rose Valley Borax Company (1898-1907) was located on Borax Lake, also known as Hot Lake, about 5.5 miles southeast of Sharps Peak and 7.0 miles northeast of the community of Fields. The borax harvesting and processing operation employed an all-Chinese labor force. They were from Nevada, being provided by a Chinese labor contractor in that state. Reference: Shaffer and Baxter 1972: 235-237.

References .
McDannold, Thomas. 2000. California’s Chinese Heritage: A Legacy of Places. Stockton, California. Heritage West Books.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 2010. http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/ECSI/ecsidetailfull.asp?seqnbr=5196/ Accessed November 8, 2010.

Shaffer, Leslie L.D. and Richard P. Baxter. 1972. “Oregon Borax: Twenty Mule Team-Rose Valley History.” Oregon Historical Quarterly. September: 228-244.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Goose Egg Butte, Oregon, 1986.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Squaw Butte, Oregon, 1980.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Venator, Oregon, 1986.

Hood River County


Cascade Canal and Locks. Cascade Canal and Locks are located near the town of Cascade Locks. Approximately 100 Chinese laborers assisted in its construction by1879. The canal and locks were flooded when Bonneville Dam was completed in 1938. However, a visible portion can be seen within Cascade Locks Marine Park which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reference: “Cascade Locks and Canal”; Willingham 1987: 240.

China Fill. China Fill was created by Chinese laborers in 1889. The fill is on the road below present-day Timberline Lodge where the road grade was as much as 22%. Reference: Hood River Historical Society 1982: 55.

China Hill. Chinese laborers did the finish grading on the toll road on the north side of Mt. Hood, below present day Timberline Lodge in 1889. Reference: Hood River Historical Society 1982: 55.

China Hill School. China Hill School was built about one quarter mile from the top of China Hill. Constructed in 1904, it was closed in 1907/1908 because people moved out of the area. Reference: Hood River Historical Society 1982: 31.

Hood River Restaurant and Golden Rose Lounge. The restaurant/lounge at 108 2nd Street in the town of Hood River was established in 1955. Then known as the Hood River Café, it was owned by Jack Sang Chin, Charlie Gum, and Gin You. It is one of the oldest Chinese-owned restaurants in that portion of the state. Reference: Hood River Historical Society 1982: 453.

References
“Cascade Locks and Canal.” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cascade_locks_and_canal/ Accessed December 8, 2010.

Hood River Historical Society. 1982. History of Hood River County, Oregon: 1852-1982. Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing Company.

Willingham, William F. 1987. “Engineering the Cascades Canal and Locks.” Oregon Historical Quarterly, No. 88, Fall: 231-244.

Jackson County


Applegate Creek Placer Mine. The Applegate Creek, now known as Applegate River, is tributary to the Rogue River. Applegate River and its valley was the site of widespread Chinese placer starting in the 1860s. Reference: LaLande 1981: 251.

Applegate Creek Placer Mine. The Applegate Creek, now known as Applegate River, is tributary to the Rogue River. Applegate River and its valley was the site of widespread Chinese placer starting in the 1860s. Reference: LaLande 1981: 251.

Ashland Chinatown. Ashland Chinatown was located on A Street across from the railroad facilities. The Chinese serviced the trains and performed railroad maintenance. Wah Chung was a prominent figure within the community. The Chinatown also contained stores and a laundry. Ashland Chinatown ceased to exist by 1941. Reference: Atwood 1976: 12, 22; LaLande 1981: 33.

Browntown Chinese Concentration. Browntown, located in the Gold Hill Mining District of Jackson County, was the center of mining activity. Many Chinese settled in Browntown while reworking nearby abandoned mining claims. Reference: Jackson 2010.

Buncom Mining Area. Chinese placer miners in the 1870s worked the played-out claims around Buncom located at the mouth of Sterling Creek where it flows into the Little Applegate River. Reference: Fowler and Roberts 1995: 29, 31.

Cameron Ranch Chinese Camp. Cameron Ranch Chinese Camp was located at the confluence of the Applegate River and Little Applegate River. It was a placer mining operation in the 1870s, prior to ownership of the land by the Cameron family. Reference: Fowler and Roberts 1995: 40.

China Ditch. Approximately five miles in length, China Ditch flows parallel to Little Applegate River in an area of wide-spread placer and hydraulic mining. China Ditch is on the south side of the river moving water northwesterly from Yale Creek past Buncom. The ditch was dug by Chinese laborers that brought water to one of Gin Lin’s mines. The ditch is also known as Gin Lin Ditch. Reference: Fowler and Roberts 1995: 33; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

China Ditch Road. China Ditch Road parallels China Ditch. Reference: MapQuest; U.S.G.S. 30x60’ series, Medford, Oregon.

China Gap. China Gap lies within a ridge separating Pleasant Creek to the north and Sykes Creek to the south. Its elevation of 1842 feet above sea level provided easy passage across the divide. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Wimer, Oregon, 1996.

China Gulch1. China Gulch is between Star Gulch and Palmer Creek, about one half mile west of the Applegate River. Placer mining first occurred there in the 1860s with hydraulic mining beginning in the 1870s. Chinese artifacts indicate a Chinese presence. Reference: LaLande 1981: 30, 40; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

China Gulch2. The creek in China Gulch flows southwest into Carberry Creek, a tributary of Applegate River. Artifacts suggest that Chinese miners worked the area in the 1870s and 1880s. Reference: LaLande 1981: 204-209; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Carberry, Oregon, 1996.

China Gulch3. China Gulch has a north-south orientation with its mouth facing the Applegate River about 1 ½ miles west of the community of Ruch. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

China Gulch4. China Gulch4 has an northeast-southwest orientation with its mouth facing Kane Creek. The gulch is about two miles southeast of Gold Hill. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Goldhill, Oregon, 1983.

China Gulch5. The stream flowing through China Gulch5 moves in a northwest direction where it enters Ferris Gulch, about 2.5 miles southwest of the community of Applegate. Reference: U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Tallowbox Mountain, Oregon, 1996.

China Gulch6. China Gulch6 is on the north bank of Grave Creek. Chinese placer miners operated throughout the area in the late 1800s. There is an unimproved campground at the gulch. Reference: “Grave Creek to Foster Bar Trail Log.”; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Mount Reuben, Oregon, 1998.

China Gulch Road. China Gulch Road is parallels China Gulch3 west of the community of Ruch. Its name is derived from the nearby gulch. Reference: “China Gulch Road.”; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

China Shacks. China Shacks was an alternate name for Jacksonville Chinatown. (See Jacksonville Chinatown, Jackson County). Reference: LaLande 1981: 23.

Chinese Quarter. Chinese Quarter was an alternate name for Jacksonville Chinatown. (See Jacksonville Chinatown, Jackson County). Reference: LaLande 1985: 30; Whitewilson.

Evans Creek Chinese Mines. Evans Creek Chinese Mines were a series of placer claims along a 13 mile long portion of Evans Creek. Various groups of Chinese worked the area for almost 30 years, starting in the late 1800s. Reference: Atwood, Katherine and Frank A. Lang 1995: 29; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, McConville Creek, Oregon, 1983.

Flumet Gulch Mine. Flumet Gulch was a location of one of many gold mines owned and worked by Gin Lin and his laborers. The mine is within the Palmer Creek Diggings Mining District. Reference: U.S. Forest Service, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Gin Lin’s Camp. Gin Lin’s Camp was located on the south side of China Gulch1 by 1881. There was a residential structure, storage sheds and outbuildings. He purchased his first claim on the Lower Little Applegate River in 1864. Gin Lin moved from China Gulch1 to the Rogue River near Galice Creek in 1885. He returned to China in 1894 where he died in 1897. The camp is within the Palmer Creek Diggings Mining District. Reference: LaLande 1981: 182-187; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

Gin Lin Ditch. Gin Lin Ditch ran parallel to Little Applegate Creek for about five miles, bringing water to the Little Applegate Mine. The ditch was dug by Chinese laborers and is within the Palmer Creek Diggings Mining District. The ditch is also known as China Ditch. Reference: LaLande 1985: 30, 42.

Gin Lin Mining Trail. The Gin Lin Mining Trail begins at Flumet Flat Forest Service campground on the Applegate River. It is a loop pathway approximately three quarters of a mile in length featuring remnants of one of Gin Lin’s hydraulic mines of the 1880s. The trail is within the Palmer Creek Diggings Mining District. Reference: Allen 2003; LaLand 1981: 191; Unlike Most Chinese Immigrants of His Time, Gin Lin Found Respect and a Mountain of Gold.”; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Carberry Creek, Oregon, 1996.

Ginko Creek. Ginko Creek, approximately 10 miles in length, begins near Red Blanket Mountain and flows into Mill Creek north of the town of Prospect. The name is reportedly derived from a ginko tree though to have been planted by Chinese miners near their camp. The seed and leaf are important components of Chinese medicine. Reference: McArthur and McArthur 2003: 403.

Grand Applegate Ditch. The six mile long, north flowing Grand Applegate Ditch diverted water from Carberry Creek to the Grand Applegate hydraulic mine. Chinese laborers constructed the canal during the winter of 1878-1879. The claim itself was purchased by a Chinese mining company in 1886. Reference: LaLande 1981: 200-202.

Jackass Creek Chinese Mines. Jackass Creek was the location of Chinese placer mines in the late 1870s. Reference: Atwood 1976: 14.

Jacksonville Chinatown. Jacksonville Chinatown was located near the intersection of California Street and Oregon Street in the town of Jacksonville. The location is within today’s Jacksonville National Historic District, itself a National Historic Landmark. Archaeological evidence places Chinatown’s origins at about 1852, prompting the suggestion that it was the first Chinatown in the state. By 1880, it occupied both sides of Main Street. Fires and out-migration of residents prompted all the Chinatown’s buildings to be gone by 1930. Reference: National Historic Landmarks Program; LaLande 1981: 23, 28, 220, 295; Whitewilson.

Kanaka Gulch Ditch. Kanaka Gulch Ditch was constructed by Chinese laborers in 1878-1879. It was five miles in length. Reference: Mead 2006: 281.

Palmer Creek Diggings. Palmer Creek Diggings was the site of one of Gin Lin’s hydraulic mining effort. Reference: Allen 2003; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Carberry Creek, Oregon, 1996.

Palmer Creek Ditch. Palmer Creek Ditch was five miles long and moved water from Flumet Creek past China Gulch, flowing through the Gin Lin Trail site. The ditch was dug by Chinese laborers with its water being used for hydraulic mining. Reference: U.S. Forest Service, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Pleasant Creek Chinese Camp. Pleaseant Creek Chinese Camp consisted of five dwelling that housed the Chinese placer miners in 1880. Reference: Atwood, Katherine and Frank A. Lang 1995: 39; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Wimer, Oregon, 1996.

Sterling Mine Ditch. Sterling Mine Ditch brought water from the Little Applegate River to the mine on Tunnel Ridge. Chinese laborers constructed the three foot deep, 26 mile-long canal in 1877. It is presently part of the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System, open to hikers and equestrians. Reference: “Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System”; LaLande 1981: 30; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Sterling Creek Creek, Oregon, 1996.

The Chinese Wall. The Chinese Wall is located at the Palmer Creek Diggings. The wall is 300 feet in length and 12-15 feet in height and 6-9 feet wide at its top. The stacking of cobbles and boulders associated with hydraulic mining was accomplished by Chinese miners who removed the material left by the hydraulic mining and stacked it out of the way to retrieve small amounts of gold. Gin Lin was the owner/operator of the mine. Reference: LaLande 1981: 195-199; U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

Tree of Heaven. The +100 year-old Tree of Heaven within Lithia Park is in the town of Ashland. The tree is thought to have been planted by Abel Helman’s (1824-1910) Chinese cook. It was a common practice for Chinese in the 1800s to plant a Tree of Heaven wherever they went for its berries, bark, and roots have medicinal properties. The park was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1982. Reference: “Lithia Park.”

References Allen, Cain. 2003. “Gin Lin Trail.” Oregon History Project. http://ohs.org/ Accessed October 29, 2010.

Atwood, Kay. 1976. Minorities of Jackson County, Oregon. Gandee printing Center, Inc.

Atwood, Katherine and Frank A. Lang. 1995. As Long as the World Goes On: Environmental History of the Evans Creek Watershed. U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Medford District. http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/plans/evans/files/atwood.pdf/ Accessed March 7, 2011.

“China Gulch Road.” MapQuest. http://www.mapquest.com/ Accessed December 15, 2010.

Fowler, Connie and J.B. Roberts. 1995. Buncom: Crossroads Station. Jacksonville, Oregon. Buncom Historical Society.

“Grave Creek to Foster Bar Trail Log.” U.S. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Management. http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/trail-log.php/ Accessed December 14, 2010.

Jackson, Kerby. “Browntown and Hogtown.” Oregon Gold. http://www.oregongold.net/?s=chinese. Accessed October 10, 2010.

LaLande, Jeffery Max. 1985. “Sojourners in Search of Gold: Hydraulic Mining Techniques of the Chinese on the Oregon Frontier.” Industrial Archeology. Vol. 11, No. 1: 29-52.

_______. 1981. “Sojourners in the Oregon Siskiyous, Adaptation and Acculturation of the Chinese Miners in Applegate Valley, circa 1855-1900.” Masters thesis. Oregon State University.

“Lithia Park.” Ashland Oregon: From Stage Coach to Center Stage. http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/lit.htm/ Accessed November 25, 2010.

“China Ditch Road.” MapQuest. http://www.mapquest.com/ Accessed December 15, 2010.

Mead, George. 2006. A History of Union County with An appendix the Chinese in Oregon. LaGrande, Oregon: E-Cat Worlds.

McArthur, Lewis A. and Lewis L. McArthur. 2003. Oregon Geographic Names. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press.

National Historic Landmarks Program. http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/lists.or01.pdf/ Accessed December 3, 2010.

“Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System.” Asland Resource Area, Medford District, Recovery Act Program, Bureau of Land management. http://www.blm.gov/or/recreation/files/brochures/sterling_mine_stimulus_sign-final.pdf/ Accessed December 13, 2010.

“Unlike Most Chinese Immigrants of His Time, Gin Lin Found Respect and a Mountain of Gold.” http://www.articlesbase.com/history-articles/unlike-most-chinese-immigrants-of-his-time-gin-lin-found-respect-and-a-mountain-of-gold-836716.html/ Accessed March 6, 2011.

U.S. Forest Service. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Recreational Activities-Trails, Gin Lin Trail 917. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogu-siskiyou/recreation/trails/gin-lin-mining.shtml/ Accessed October 29, 2010.

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Carberry, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Goldhill, Oregon, 1983.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, McConville Creek, Oregon, 1983.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Mount Reuben, Oregon, 1998.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Ruch, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Sterling Creek Creek, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Tallowbox Mountain, Oregon, 1996.

_______. Quadrangle 7.5’ series, Wimer, Oregon, 1996.

_______. 30x60’ series, Medford, Oregon.

Whitewilson, Jeanena. “Chinatown.” Jacksonville Review. http://jacksonvillereview.com/chinatown-by-jeanena-whitewilson/ Accessed June 13, 2013.