Central Business District in Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Central Pacific’s Other Big Four

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 11, 2009

1. Central Pacific’s Other Big Four Marker

Inscription. When the task of building the C.P.R.R. line over the Sierra provided too much for the Irish, Chinese laborers from Kwantung took over. Called Tze Yap or Four Districts Men, their hard work and perseverance earned them the nickname of “Cholly Clocker’s Pets.”

Erected 1969 by New Helvetia No.5, E Clampus Vitus, May 10, 1969.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.

Location. 38° 34.978′ N, 121° 30.064′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in the Central Business District. It can be reached from J Street. Marker is located in the courtyard of the Ping Yuen Center, across from the AMTRAK Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420, Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Sacramento Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. George Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Squatters Riot (within shouting distance of this marker); Travelers' Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Sacramento (approx. 0.2 miles away); B.F. Hastings Bank Building

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pony Express (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Pony Express (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Preservationists (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . .
1. The Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum. A speech by the Hon. John T. Doolittle, presented to the U.S. House of Representatives on April 29, 1999, honoring the Chinese laborers and announcing the dedication of the “Cape Horn” Plaque in Colfax, California. [See “Cape Horn” marker, Placer County, Ca.]. This site also displays photos and gives a commentary of the Chinese laborer contributions towards the completion of the railroad. (Submitted on March 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

2. 1865 – 1869, Chinese Labor and the Transcontinental Railroad. (Submitted on March 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional keywords. Chinese-Americans

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 11, 2009

2. Central Pacific’s Other Big Four Marker

This marker is the smaller one on the right. (The marker on the left is a Chinese-American War Memorial Plaque unrelated to this marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,174 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.