Preserving Jacksonville’s Chinese History Matters

Many years ago, Chinese migrated from China via San Francisco ports to Table Rock City (Jacksonville), Oregon as the 1851 gold rush mining jobs flourished. Recently, the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Archeology (SOULA) and a few local SOHS volunteers completed archeological testing within an area of town where the city is planning to construct new sidewalks and other street improvements.

Excavation team units were placed along Jacksonville’s Main Street, between Oregon and First Streets, then up the hill toward the Britt Amphitheater to Fir Street. Much of this area was known in the 1800s as “Jacksonville Chinatown” or “Chinese Quarters.”Chinese migrations mainly from Canton Province to the Americas began as early as the 1820s. Most emigrated through the ports of San Francisco, California, bringing with them honor for their homeland customs and traditions and dreams of returning home with earnings to support their families. Very few women migrated from their homelands. There was political unrest at home, and like so many nationalities that migrated around the globe during that time, the Chinese were looking for a better quality of life.

Census data tells us that populations of Chinese rose in Jackson County from the early 1850s to 2,500 Chinese miners working the Upper Jackson Creek by 1864. 1 of every 8 residents was Chinese in the 1870s. Only 329 are recorded in the 1880s, and by 1930 only 5 remained, largely due to repercussions from racist legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Many Chinese men lived on mining claims. Others lived in the wooden structures or shanties of Chinatown, keeping to themselves, practicing their beliefs, and enjoying their traditions such as Celebrating Chinese New Year.

We have heard stories over the years of Chinese men doing backbreaking labor in the mining fields of the Jacksonville woodlands area. Tons of earth was moved and water diverted to create high pressure hydraulic mining, washing the earth away from the veins of gold captured in the quartz stone. Remnants of this can still be seen along Jacksonville Woodlands trails named “Chinese Diggins” and the “Petard Ditch Loop.” A new installation is currently underway in an area known as “French Gulch.”

There was much more going on for the Chinese in Jacksonville besides the mining. They owned businesses, had homes along Main Street, and worked doing laundry, cooking, and housekeeping. Much of the population decline occurred after the gold rush had been played out and the Federal 1882 Exclusion Act was implemented. The protectionist policy made it increasingly difficult to support oneself here, driving Chinese and other immigrants away in large numbers. By the 1880s, the railroad industry was building rail connections between Portland and San Francisco. They needed hard-working laborers. The big cities like San Francisco were also flourishing and needed skilled employees for hotels, restaurants, and other industries. Of those Chinese who remained in Jacksonville from 1880-1930, they mostly worked in hotels and private homes with names such as Britt, Hanley and Beekman. Often, the remains of those who died here were collected and returned to Chinese soil by relatives.

Several Chinese men lived on or near the Peter Britt estate, perhaps tending his gardens and orchards. He is said to have been their employer and banker, helping with finances. There are also several Chinese signatures in the Beekman Bank registers.

Eni Yan(g) is named on the 1870-1900 census with the Beekman family as “Eni Yan(g), Cook, Chinese male, born January 1849, age 51 years, married for 21 years, born in China.” Yan had migrated from China with his parents in 1862. Being skilled at speaking, reading, and writing English, Yan’s employment with the Beekman family was know to be far greater than, “cook.” In letters between Beekman family members and their neighbors during travels and long absences away from their Jacksonville home, one finds frequent mentions of “Yan,” used in a context suggesting he was a close friend or family member. One letter from the SOHS collection reads, “Yan was delighted to see us. He had a bright fire in the sitting room, and a nice supper prepared for us…Yan asks about you every few days. Sometimes he gets a little lonesome but always seems in a good humor.” Yan is not listed in the 1910 census. Still today, the worn depression in the dining room carpet can be seen where Yan stood beside Mr. Cornelius Beckman’s place at the head of the table. Memories through these artifacts and recorded stories keep history alive and bring a presence to names in our heritage.

Source: Whitewilson, J. Heritage Magazine

I wanted to share this information and some of the rich Chinese history in our local community. By the 1870s Chinese miners worked many areas of the gold mines while in the Chinese Quarter boarding houses, barbers, and gathering places served both local residents and thousands of Chinese workers.

Why Preserving Jacksonville’s Chinese History Matters

Preserving Jacksonville’s Chinese history is about more than remembering the past—it is about recognizing the people whose perseverance, hard work, and contributions helped shape Southern Oregon. For many years, the stories of Chinese immigrants were overlooked despite their vital role in mining, commerce, agriculture, and community life. By preserving historical sites, artifacts, and personal stories, we ensure that future generations gain a more complete and accurate understanding of Jacksonville’s history.

This history also reminds us of the challenges Chinese immigrants faced, including discrimination, exclusionary laws, and social barriers. Their resilience in overcoming these hardships offers valuable lessons about courage, determination, and the importance of creating inclusive communities. By acknowledging both their achievements and struggles, we honor their legacy with honesty and respect.

Finally, preserving this heritage strengthens cultural understanding. It encourages residents and visitors alike to appreciate the diverse people and traditions that have shaped Oregon. Sharing these stories fosters empathy, celebrates cultural diversity, and inspires future generations to value the contributions of all communities. When we preserve history, we preserve the lessons, values, and human experiences that connect us across generations.