North End in Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Climate of Exclusion
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2023
1. Climate of Exclusion Marker
The Reverend W.D. McFarland criticizing his congregation for walking out on his sermon opposing the expulsion of the Chinese from Tacoma. 1885
Anti-Chinese sentiment was fueled by a widespread economic depression in the 1870s that depleted the job market. Anxious to blame someone for their woes, unemployed and frustrated workers made Chinese immigrants scapegoats because of their race, culture, and willingness to work for lower wages. The Chinese became targets of violent rallies, riots and local laws that limited their rights.
National political pressure only encouraged the intolerance of the Chinese people as Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This was the first U.S. immigration law to single out a specific nationality for discriminatory treatment.
Tacoma's own anti-Chinese sentiment boiled over in March 1884, as the townspeople demanded the City resolve "the Chinese Problem." They insisted that if economic conditions were to improve, "The Chinese Must Go!"
Erected by Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Immigration. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1884.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Planning of the Expulsion (here, next to this marker); Journey to Gold Mountain (a few steps from this marker); Aftermath and Indictments (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park (a few steps from this marker); Journey to Reconciliation (within shouting distance of this marker); Fannie C. Paddock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Janet Elder Steele (approx. 0.2 miles away); First School House in Tacoma (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tacoma.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2023
2. Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park
This historical marker is one of several located on the paths of Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
