Day 7 - Zarif Khan & Louie’s, Historic Downtown, Sheridan, Wyoming
📌APIA Every Day (7) - Sheridan, Wyoming, celebrated for its “Wild West” history and breathtaking landscapes, harbors a lesser-known yet vital piece of its own history—the emergence of a Pakistani community, led by Zarif Khan, who arrived in 1907 from the village of Bara, British India (now part of Pakistan).
Zarif Khan's journey led to the acquisition of a local restaurant from German immigrant Louis Menge, which retained the name "Louie's." Under Khan's ownership, the restaurant thrived, and he was affectionately known as "Hot Tamale Louie." The restaurant became a cherished gathering place where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together, reflecting Khan's welcoming spirit and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.
However, Zarif Khan's path to American citizenship encountered challenges. Although he achieved naturalized citizenship in February 1926, he faced denaturalization later that year due to racially based eligibility criteria, as a consequence of the United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind case. This setback did not deter Khan, as he later successfully regained his American citizenship in 1954. His story, along with the formation of the Pakistani community in Sheridan, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of immigrants and their significant contributions to the rich tapestry of American society.
LEARN MORE:
The Sheridan Press: Tamale Louie and The Ideal Hotel
AJ+: Why One Of The Oldest Pakistani American Communities Is In Wyoming
The Juggernaut: Hot Tamale Louie: The Pakistani, Tamale-Slinging Cowboy
Sheridan High School Alumni net: Louie’s
Sheridan High School Alumni net: Remembering Louie’s
WY State Historic Preservation Office: Sheridan Main Street Historic District
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