How did the Chinese and Japanese end up in Fresno?!?

Once the gold mines up north were depleted, many Chinese were hired to build railroads. Aside from the famous Transcontinental Railroad, the Chinese were also major contributors in building the southern extension that stretched from Sacramento to Southern California. While railroads were built, small cities started popping up and the Chinese settled in these areas, and thus Chinatowns were born. The San Joaquin Valley is known for agriculture, which led the early Japanese to settle in the area since they were really experienced with agriculture. Many of the early Chinatowns and Japantowns coexisted with each other (Lodi, Walnut Grove, Sacramento Deltas, etc.), Fresno included.

The Asians in the area faced many challenges:
- The Chinese were often discriminated, and Chinatowns were often destroyed by fire.
- The Japanese were sent to "relocation camps" in different parts of the country during WW2.

The Chinese and Japanese eventually moved elsewhere in search of opportunities, and through this video you will see how Fresno's Chinatown/Japantown looks like today.

Enjoy!
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