Day 73: Walnut Grove, Sacramento, California
📌APIA Every Day (72) - The Walnut Grove Japanese-American Historic District in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta was shaped by the contributions of both Chinese and Japanese Americans. In the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants developed the district, but Chinese exclusionary laws led to a decline in their residency and an increase in Japanese immigration. By 1896, Walnut Grove saw the establishment of the first Japanese-owned business, marking the inception of Kawashimo, meaning “downriver”, a name given to the town based on the Japanese immigrants travel to the area.
A fire in 1915 disrupted Walnut Grove's Japantown, leading to the rebuilding of Kawashimo in 1916. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Kawashimo thrived as a community for Japanese residents, with its commercial district serving over 100 families. However, World War II brought a significant transformation, with Executive Order 9066 leading to the evacuation of Japanese Americans and the district's occupation by Filipinos and Mexican laborers. Post-war, some residents returned, but many travelled to nearby cities for other opportunities. Despite losing three buildings to war-related fires, the district retained its architectural accuracy from the 1920s. Businesses like Kawamura Barber Shop and Hayashi Market persisted under original family ownership as of 1990.
Today, the Walnut Grove Japanese-American Historic District stands as a rare example of a Japanese American community designed and built by Japanese immigrants during this time period. Reflecting Asian preferences, the architectural style remains true to the 1920s, serving as a marker of the historical events on immigrant communities in California. Recognized as a National Register historic district in 1990, it encompasses both the commercial core and the "backtown" area, east of the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, contributing to the rich historical tapestry of the community.
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: Walnut Grove Japanese American Historic District, CA
National Park Service: Walnut Grove Registration Form
California Japantowns: Walnut Grove
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