CHINESE IMMIGRATION TO THE AMERICAN WEST
The first Chinese immigrants came to the West in the mid
-1850s to escape poverty in China. However, many
immigrants were also merchants, artisans, fishermen,
and hotel owners. The Chinese came to America to dig
for gold. Most came because they wanted to support
their families back in China and they were renowned for
their hard work and dependability. Chinatowns, which
were overpopulated, were where the Chinese lived
because they were looked down upon by the white
Americans. Many Chinese also worked on the railroads
and opened up stores and restaurants.