Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Barry Swackhamer
Taken: October 5, 2013
Caption: The Iron Road Pioneers Monument
Additional Description: By
Artist Elizabeth MacQueen

This Sculpture commemorates and honors the enormous contribution of the Chinese Immigrants who helped build the early railroads of the Central Coast and across our nation. Their laborious efforts helped to lay the early foundation for San Luis Obispo to become the premier model urban community that we enjoy today. The first narrow gauge rail line in the region was completed in 1876. It enabled San Luis Obispo’s agricultural areas to send their products worldwide via Port Harford (now Port San Luis). Thousand of Chinese laborers graded the roadbeds, built trestles, cut major access roads, and risked their lives in the process. Many died and were laid to rest in unmarked graves. This sculpture is an everlasting monument in recognition of the Iron Road Pioneers.

Bronze – Silver – Gold Spike Donor
In Recognition
Click on image to enlarge it and read the list of donors
We wish to acknowledge the hundreds of individual contributions from near and far, that made the Iron Road Pioneers Project a reality.
Additionally, we wish to thank the Citizens Committee, the Chinese Professional Association, the City of San Luis Obispo, and the San Luis Obispo Historical Society for their fund-raising support.
Submitted: November 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p259944
File Size: 3.644 Megabytes

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