Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
Riverside's historic Chinatown is the last remaining and best preserved early Chinese settlement site in the U.S. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, this important archaeological site dates back to 1885, and provides a springboard to convey a sense of place that enhances community, promotes understanding, and educates future generations. Today, the site remains a place that matters to the people of Riverside and beyond.
In 1885, Riverside's historic Chinatown was the central residential and commercial hub for Chinese immigrants working in Southern California's agricultural fields, most notably in the citrus industry. Hundreds of residents joined by thousands of Chinese migrant workers who made Chinatown their home were important not only because they provided affordable skilled labor, but their centuries-old knowledge of citrus-culture, helped catapult California citrus into the hearts, minds and homes of American families.
Riverside's citrus industry was so successful that Riverside was at one time named the richest city per capita in the U.S. During this time, the industry's success led to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishing a research lab in Riverside to study citrus, with one researcher preferring to hire Chinese workers for his precise studies. This USDA lab was formalized as the Citrus Experiment Station later the forerunner of the University of California, Riverside (1954). The campus continues to serve as a world leader in today's citrus research.
Despite invaluable contributions to the California economy, Chinese pioneers faced harsh anti-immigration legislation as well as fear and hatred. With courage and determination, the Chinese community in Riverside persevered and prospered. Their experiences as individuals, and as a community, serve as a significant reminder of the journey immigrants encounter as they create a sense of belonging in America. Riverside's historic Chinatown offers a unique window into the American experience.
It took over 100 years for Riverside's historic Chinatown and the contributions of its residents to be recognized as a place of significance by Federal, State, County and City governments. Today there is an imminent threat of rendering these accomplishments meaningless by inappropriate development.
The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California (CHSSC) has been involved in efforts to preserve Riverside's historic Chinatown since 1980. Efforts to preserve Riverside's historic Chinatown have gained traction since 2008, with the activation and engagement of a younger and multiethnic constituency.
At a time when historic preservation is evolving to include a broader, more inclusive narrative of American culture and heritage, Riverside's historic Chinatown can serve as a model of how a community-based approach to preservation can revitalize communities. Once preserved, there is tremendous potential to garner national, state and local political and economic support to transform this site into a meaningful and dynamic heritage tourism destination. We aim to protect and preserve Riverside's historic Chinatown site for all to enjoy and cherish.
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