Day 191: Chinese Quarter, Jacksonville, Oregon
đź“ŚAPIA Every Day (191) - Jacksonville's Chinatown, located at the intersection of Oregon and West Main Streets, was established in the early 1850s as Jacksonville developed rapidly due to the gold rush. Initially a mining camp known as Table Rock City, Jacksonville attracted various immigrants, including many Chinese seeking opportunities in the gold fields. The Chinese Quarter, which formed along West Main Street, featured a mix of wooden and later brick buildings. This neighborhood quickly became a central area for Chinese miners and residents, providing necessary services and businesses. However, as businesses moved to California Street in the 1850s and gold mining declined, the Chinese Quarter gradually fell into disuse.
In the 1870s, the Chinese community in Jacksonville had expanded, with many involved in mining and other local trades. Despite their economic contributions, the Chinese faced significant racial discrimination and restrictive legislation. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, along with other local taxes and regulations, further marginalized the community and limited their opportunities.
The decline of the Chinese Quarter was marked by a major fire on September 11, 1888, which devastated the neighborhood. Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered important artifacts from this period, providing insights into the lives of Jacksonville’s early Chinese American community. Today, the site of Chinatown is occupied by commercial buildings, residences, and Jacksonville’s Veteran’s Park. Jacksonville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
LEARN MORE:
Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project: The City of Jacksonville, Oregon
Oregon Chinese Discernment Documents: A Brief History of the Chinese in Oregon, 1850-1950
Historic Jacksonville: A Virtual Walk Through Jacksonville History
National Park Service Gallery: Jacksonville Historic District NRHP Form
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