Visalia in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Visalia Chinatown

Photographed By Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter No. 1855 E Clampus Vitus, January 5, 2007

1. Visalia Chinatown Marker

Inscription. The Chinese Community flourished in this area from the latter 1800s to the 1960s. The first known Chinese resident in Visalia was known to be here as early as December 1859. Visalia Chinatown dates from the early 1890s. Originally encouraged to come to California as laborers during the Gold Rush era and the building of the railroads, the Chinese remained in the Central Valley despite active racism by their occidental neighbors. Most of the buildings erected by the Chinese in this vicinity were demolished in 1963, leaving this one block as the sole reminder of a once thriving community.

Erected 1997 by Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter 1855 of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1997.

Location. 36° 19.843′ N, 119° 17.332′ W. Marker is in Visalia, California, in Tulare County. Marker is on South Bridge Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 East Center Avenue, Visalia CA 93291, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hanging of J.G. McCrory (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Visalia Saddle

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(about 600 feet away); Visalia’s First Hotel (about 700 feet away); Visalia Southern Pacific Depot (about 700 feet away); Bank of Italy (about 800 feet away); The Old Tulare County Jail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cross Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); S. Sweet & Company (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Visalia.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 4, 2022

2. Visalia Chinatown Marker

Visalia Chinatown Marker detail image. Click for full size.

3. Visalia Chinatown Marker detail

福禄寿靠

English translation:
Good fortune, decent salary, longevity and happiness (Traditional Chinese blessing inscription)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 843 times since then and 145 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 27, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 2. submitted on May 6, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on November 25, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.