Tombstone in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Hoptown
Chinese Section
— 1879 —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2014
1. Hoptown Marker
In 1879 there were 11 people in Tombstone of Chinese descent. By 1882 there were 250. The area between 2nd and 3rd and Allen and Toughnut was the area where they lived and had businesses, commonly called "Hoptown". The Chinese ran laundries, restaurants, grew vegetables and were laborers, houseboys, servants and prostitutes. Quong Kee began the famous Can Can Restaurant with partner Ah Lum. Ah Lum's wife, China Mary, was said to control "Hoptown”. She was an employment broker who guaranteed that her employees would not cheat or steal. She also ran the opium dens and Chinese prostitution. At one point there was an Anti-Chinese League formed that asked residents to refuse to trade with Chinese owned businesses. In spite of this, many Chinese operated long term successful businesses. There is a Chinese section in Boot Hill Graveyard where China Mary and Quong Kee are buried.Erected 2009 by Tombstone Restoration Commission. (Marker Number 41.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 31° 42.774′ N, 110° 4.107′ W. Marker is in Tombstone, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker is on South 3rd Street south of East Allen Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located along the sidewalk, between the Four Deuces Saloon and the Saloon Theater. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 South 3rd Street, Tombstone AZ 85638, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Allen English Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Cochise County Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Can Can Restaurant (about 400 feet away); Rose Tree (about 500 feet away); Tombstone City Hall (about 500 feet away); Southern Pacific Train Depot (about 500 feet away); The Grand Hotel (about 600 feet away); Campbell & Hatch Saloon and Billiard Parlor (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tombstone.
2. Marker photo: China Mary – Early 1880’s
(from "Chinese Residents in Tombstone, by Sam Shueh and Eric Chen) Perhaps the most famous Chinese person in Tombstone was China Mary (nee Sing, aka Ah Chum), a plump woman from Zhongshan county. China Mary managed a well-stocked general store where she dealt in both American and Chinese goods. White men and Asians were both allowed to play in the gambling hall behind her store. They had to abide her rules.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2014
3. Hoptown (view from marker; Saloon Theater on left)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2014
4. 115, 117, 119 South 3rd Street
(south of marker on South 3rd Street)
(south of marker on South 3rd Street)
This 1881 double adobe was the site of Garet & Page’s Wagon Shop. To your left was the charcoal yard. Charcoal was a primary source of heat for both forges and homes in the early 1880’s. This block was part of “Hop Town,” the heart of Tombstone’s Chinese community. Double rows of adobe bricks form walls 18” thick – keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2014
5. 115, 117, 119 South 3rd Street
(south of marker on South 3rd Street)
(south of marker on South 3rd Street)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,039 times since then and 162 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 16, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
