Onward to Eastern Oregon

Abstract

This chapter begins with an overview of Oregon and then focuses upon eastern Oregon, where the Chinese played a major role in mining until the turn of the twentieth century. From the outset the Chinese encountered difficulties in living and working in Oregon. As they tried to mine in Oregon the Chinese miners had to cope with EuroAmerican racism and Native American attacks. Yet the Chinese eventually established communities in the rugged terrain of eastern Oregon where some of their leaders interacted with the local population who were also struggling to survive. Some of the miners and merchants were successful while others struggled. Moreover, Chinese merchants became involved in the formation of Chinese mining companies, and it appears that many were successful.