Canyon Country in Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
In Honor of All Chinese Railroad Workers
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 19, 2025
1. Chinese Railroad Workers Marker
The courageous work done on the San Fernando Tunnel culminated in the Southern Pacific Railroad's extension to Southern California in 1876. Thousands of immigrants from China were recruited to work on this connection between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In that year, one mile northeast of this location, the last tracks were laid out. A Golden Spike ceremony took place and thousands of these skilled laborers were in attendance.
Dedicated to all Chinese laborers who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad and its feeder routes.
"They battled solid rock, blistering heat, and desiccating winds. Cave-ins, boiler explosions, and breaking cables claimed lives and limbs... Chinese laborers had once again, done the impossible.
-March Fong Eu
Erected 2023 by City of Santa Clarita; and Chinese Historical Society of Southern California.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 34° 24.777′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chinese Railroad Workers (here, next to this marker); Lang Station (here, next to this marker); Union at the End of the Tunnel (a few steps from this marker); Mitchell River House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Walker Ranch (approx. 2.6 miles away); White Oil Seep
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 19, 2023
2. Chinese Workers Marker - at right
More about this marker. March Fong Eu (quoted on the marker) was an American diplomat and politician who served as the 24th secretary of state of California for five terms from 1975 to 1994.
An early version of this plaque had the following quote:
"An army of Chinese... clad in basket hats, blue denim jackets and trousers, and cotton sandals, stood along either side of the mounded right-of-way. Four thousand strong, they lined the roadbed in military file, leaning on their long-handled shovels, like an army at rest after a well-fought battle."
-Remi Nadeau.
In the 1870s Remi Nadeau was known as the "King of the Desert Freighters." His grandson was a historian and author.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 19, 2023
3. Chinese Railroad Workers Marker
At the new Vista Canyon Metrolink Station.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 19, 2023
4. Chinese Railroad Workers Marker
Early version of the plaque, with the same text, and a different quote.
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 19, 2025
5. Dedicated October 20, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 25, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 19, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
