Lake Natoma Shores in Folsom in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Young Wo Memorial Site

1883 – 1925

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2009

1. The Young Wo Memorial Site Marker

Inscription. This sacred ground is one of three revered cemeteries * Young Wo, Sam Yup-Sze Yup, and Hakka * that served the Chinese community once located just north of here. One cemetery vanished during gold dredging activites; Only the Young Wo and Sam Yup-Sze Yup remain.

The Young Wo Cemetery provided burial primarily for people from the Chung Shan District of China. Buried here are Chinese pioneers who struggled for economic survival and human dignity and in so doing helped build Folsom and the West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West series list.

Location. 38° 40.389′ N, 121° 11.028′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Lake Natoma Shores. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Forrest Street and Young Wo Circle. Marker is located within the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Folsom CA 95630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rancho Rio de los Americanos (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southern Pacific Railroad Superintendent's House

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. ¼ mile away); Folsom Terminal (approx. ¼ mile away); Leidesdorff Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away); W.L. Perkins Warehouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Car/Carpenter Shop (1863) (approx. 0.3 miles away); Turning the Trains (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folsom.

Regarding The Young Wo Memorial Site. This site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1995

Also see . . . Folsom exhibit explores Chinese history. Few people are aware that Folsom once had a Chinese community numbering about 2,500 persons, complete with its own shops, churches and mayor. (Submitted on February 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional keywords. Gold Rush, Chinese Pioneers

The Young Wo Memorial Site and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2009

2. The Young Wo Memorial Site and Marker

The Chinese Funerary Burner and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2009

3. The Chinese Funerary Burner and Marker

The "Burner" is located on the left of photo and marker is located on the right.
The most common singular feature of overseas Chinese cemeteries and of the Chinese section of host community cemeteries is the "burner" (sometimes erroneously called "oven"). These brick or masonry structures, often over seven feet tall, serve as a safe place for the ritualized burning of spiritual tributes.

Sign Above Entrance Gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2009

4. Sign Above Entrance Gate

The Young Wo Memorial Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2009

5. The Young Wo Memorial Site

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,481 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.