Chinese Workers Hats | Spike 150

Chinese Workers Hats

Chinese Hat
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The Central Pacific Railroad heavily recruited Chinese immigrants to construct the Transcontinental Railroad from Sacramento, across the Sierra Nevadas, to Promontory, Utah. Chinese laborers experienced discrimination, hostile work environments, low pay, and little recognition for their immeasurable contributions to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. These workers were often given the most back-breaking and hazardous work. Spike150 honors the untold stories and contributions of the Chinese railroad workers and their descendants, who despite these obstacles, helped build the Nation we know today.

Continue Your Student's Discovery

  • Chinese Workers on the Transcontinental Railroad

    This lesson draws on the science of archaeology, focusing on Chinese material culture to explore the lives of these workers.

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  • Irish Railroad Workers on the Transcontinental Railroad

    Students will compare the treatment between Irish and Chinese workers on the Transcontinental Railroad

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  • Mormon Graders on the Transcontinental Railroad

    Students will read about the Mormon men who helped build the first Transcontinental Railroad through Utah.

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Additional Questions and Discussions for Your Students

  • One of the hardest jobs for railroad workers was to tunnel through the Sierra Nevada mountains.  What would you use to do this?
  • Describe a time when you had to work together to overcome a large obstacle.

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