Rock Springs Massacre (1885)

Wed Sep 02, 1885

Image: An illustration titled “Massacre of the Chinese at Rock Springs” [wyohistory.org]

On this day in 1885, white immigrant miners in Rock Springs, Wyoming initiated an anti-Chinese race riot, killing more than 28 Chinese workers, injuring 15, and razing 78 homes, causing most of the Chinese population to flee the area.

The riot, and resulting massacre of immigrant Chinese miners by white immigrant miners, was the result of racial prejudice toward the Chinese miners, who were in competition for employment with their white counterparts.

The Union Pacific Coal Department found it economically beneficial to give preference in hiring to Chinese miners, who were willing to work for lower wages than whites, angering white miners.

When the rioting ended, at least 28 Chinese miners were dead and 15 were injured. Rioters burned 78 Chinese homes, causing approximately $150,000 in property damage.

Most of the Chinese population fled Rock Springs after this incident.

• Date: 1885-09-02
• Learn More: www.wyohistory.org, en.wikipedia.org, guides.loc.gov.
• Tags: #Riots, #Massacre.
• Source: www.apeoplescalendar.org