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AAPI Heritage Sites of the American West

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Summit Tunnel and Camp identified as one of the most endangered historic places

June 3, 2021 by Explore APA Heritage

Summit Tunnels 6 & 7 and Summit Camp has been identified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2021 list of Most Endangered Historic Places in America.

The Summit Tunnels 6 & 7 and Summit Camp Site tell the story of thousands of Chinese railroad workers who constructed the Transcontinental Railroad through the Sierra Nevada mountains from 1865 to 1867. These workers, making up approximately 90 percent of the Central Pacific Railroad workforce, risked their lives to cut and build railroad beds and dig tunnels in incredibly difficult working conditions and extremely dangerous terrain and weather—all while being paid less than their white counterparts.

Vandalism currently threatens the tunnels, resulting in extensive graffiti, as well as physical damage to cultural and natural resources at the site. The Tahoe National Forest protects the archaeological remains of Summit Camp, but visitors who don’t understand its significance are not always respectful of the site’s remaining artifacts. Highlighting how Chinese laborers accelerated the development of the American West, and better interpreting and protecting these sites, would honor this important and often overlooked part of our country’s history.

Each year, America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places sheds light on important examples of our nation’s heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. More than 300 places have been listed in its 34-year history, and in that time, fewer than 5 percent of listed sites have been lost. Visit their webpage for more information on how to get involved.

Filed Under: News

Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

May 9, 2020 by Explore APA Heritage

Please Enjoy a Viewing of Legacy

To help us kick off Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, please enjoy a viewing Legacy. This 20 minute film was produced by Joe Flannery of the Tahoe National Forest in 2019 to commemorate the 150th completion anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad and contributions from Chinese workers.

Filed Under: News

Return to Gold Mountain: October 12 & 13 2019

September 10, 2019 by Fred Wong

Join 1882 Foundation, US China Railroad Friendship Association, and U.C. Davis for this year’s tour of key sites of the transcontinental railroad, which include Bloomer’s Cut, Secret Town Fill, Cape Horn Passage, and Summit Tunnel. Register here for $250.  Trip includes bus and train ride through these sites, overnight stay at Reno, Nevada, and admission at the California State Railroad Museum.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Nov 8 to 9 California Railroad Tour

October 9, 2018 by Fred Wong

In partnership with the Asian Pacific American Heritage Collaborative, the 1882 Foundation is coordinating a tour on Nov 8 and 9, 2018, focusing on Chinese railroad workers who helped build the transcontinental railroad in California.  The 2-day overnight tour starts in Sacramento (or San Francisco), and the highlight of the tour is at the Summit Tunnel in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The $250/person, 2-day tour includes guide, lodging, and transportation, which includes a train ride following most of the historic route.

For more information, go to the links below.  Deadline is Oct 22, 2018.

1. Return to Gold Mountain 2018, Tour itinerary  brochure (pdf) link and Registration link
http://www.uschinarfa.org/?page_id=883
2. Registration form and online Paypal payment

http://www.uschinarfa.org/?page_id=895

Filed Under: News, Tours

Updated Maps

September 1, 2018 by Fred Wong

Switching to new map embed program (ArcGIS), which allows for more display features (land ownership, trails, parking, etc.) and coordinated mobile app function.  See “Plan a Visit” tab for mobile app.

Added new pictures to existing sites.

Added Secret Town Fill Site

 

Filed Under: News

Website Updates

December 6, 2017 by Explore APA Heritage

Thank you for your continued interest in our project! We have made several updates to include an additional 9 heritage sites, eight covering the Southern California area.

China Flat
Gold Mountain Mine (Baldwin Mine)
Lang Station
San Fernando Tunnel
San Marcos Pass and Cold Springs
Santa Ana Valley Irrigation
Tehacahpi Loop
Temecula Canyon

Gasquet Toll Road

Please take a look at the sites and let us know what you think!

Filed Under: News

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Latest Updates

  • Summit Tunnel and Camp identified as one of the most endangered historic places June 3, 2021
  • Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! May 9, 2020
  • Return to Gold Mountain: October 12 & 13 2019 September 10, 2019
  • Nov 8 to 9 California Railroad Tour October 9, 2018
  • Updated Maps September 1, 2018
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