Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old Chinatown

Photographed by Patrick Duggan, June 19, 2026

1. Old Chinatown Marker

Inscription. In the late 1800’s, ten percent of Santa Barbara’s population was Chinese, who formed a community along the first two blocks of Cañon Perdido Street and parts of Anacapa and Santa Barbara Streets. Flourishing within Chinatown were grocery stores, import-export businesses, a laundry, Chinese Junk maker, Joss House, herbalists, restaurants, and private social clubs with adult entertainment. Chinatown also housed the Nationalist Chinese Party. “Koumintang,” the Hop Sing Tong, the Chee Kung Tung, and the Bing Kong Tong.

Around 1895 the Chung family arrived here, and in 1947 descendant Jimmy Yee Chung opened “Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens” on this site. The Chung family is the last to remain in Old Chinatown.

Erected 1997 by E Clampus Vitus de la Guerra y Pacheco Chapter 1.5.

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

Location. 34° 25.331′ N, 119° 41.922′ W. Marker is in Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is on East Cañon Perdido Street east of Anacapa Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 E Cañon Perdido St, Santa Barbara CA 93101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and specifically 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jimmy's Oriental Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Site of Royal Spanish Presidio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rochin Adobe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rochin-Birabent Adobe (about 300 feet away); Santa Barbara Presidio (about 300 feet away); Jose Lobero's Opera House (about 400 feet away); Old Lobero Theatre (about 400 feet away); The Oreña Adobe (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Barbara.

Also see . . . Jimmy's Oriental Gardens (Wikipedia). Overview:

Jimmy's Oriental Gardens was a restaurant that operated in Santa Barbara, CA.
In March 2007, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation purchased Jimmy's Oriental Gardens from the Chung family. On September 19, 2018 the building at 126. E Canon Perdido Street and 126 E. Canon Perdido Street #B was designated a structure of merit. The historic name was "Jimmy's Oriental Gardens and Chung Family Home". In 2014, the building earned historic status when it was purchased by the state of California as part of the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.

(Submitted on June 22, 2026.)

Photographed by Patrick Duggan, June 19, 2026

2. Old Chinatown Marker

The marker is at far right.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2026, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2026, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.