Chinatown
Many
large cities in the United States and around the world have an ethnic
area called Chinatown. Each was settled by people who came from China.
For example, Chinatown in San Francisco, California, began in the
eighteen-forties. Gold had been discovered in California. Chinese
immigrants came to America. They settled in an area that later became
known as Chinatown. Nearly all the immigrants were men. Their hard work
was quickly recognized. In eighteen-fifty, San Francisco Mayor John
Geary held a ceremony honoring Chinese efforts to improve the city.
Today, Chinatown is a leading cultural influence in San Francisco. Many
people visit the area.
Chinatowns
were also established in cities in the western states of Oregon and
Washington during the middle of the nineteenth century. Many Chinese
settlers in these areas helped build the first railroad system across
the United States. However, after the work ended in eighteen-sixty-nine,
many Chinese moved to the eastern and middle parts of the United States.
The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Chicago, Illinois, in the
eighteen-seventies. Many of these first immigrants opened
clothes-cleaning businesses and low-cost eating places. Chicago’s
Chinatown has grown over the years. The largest number of immigrants
came after communists took control of mainland China in
nineteen-forty-eight.
Chinatowns also can be found in cities outside the United States. For
example, the first Chinese settlers in London arrived in the late
eighteenth century. They were men who worked for the East India Company.
Later, Chinese immigrants operated small stores and eating places that
were visited by Chinese sailors traveling through the city. Today, many
people visit London’s Chinatown. It has special Chinese Gates and
walking areas for visitors.
Chinatowns around the world are not only places where Chinese people
live and work. They are also places where visitors can learn more about
Chinese culture and traditions.
|
|