Ione Chinatown, California

Chinatown Marker

Looking North from this monument lies 5.22 acres which was originally deeded to Ky Kee, Hop Wah Chung, Quong On Long and Chang Hang Co. in 1883. Known as Chinatown, the community was comprised of stores, homes and a Joss House. At the peak of population approximately 1,000 Chinese lived in this town and the surrounding area.

Gum San, or Golden Mountain, was the name the Chinese gave to California. The Chinese came to California in large numbers looking to make a forture in gold but soon found that dream elusive. Many returned, but many continued to work and live in the area.

This unidentified Chinese man represents many unknown laborers who worked to make our country great but whose stories will never be known.

In 1970, when the plaque was placed at Chinatown by the Nave Daughters of the Golden West, a large festival was held. Joseph Won attended the ceremonies, as did other descendants. Here showing in grand traditon of the dragon leading the parade was carried on by members of the Ben Ali Temple.

At its peak, Ione's Chinatown boasted about 1,000 residents. These immigrants, like most ethnic groups, found comfort in close association with others of the same culture.

Celebrations like this parade down Main Street in Ione reinforced their identity in this foreign land.

Members of the Moey family of Ione gathered for this photograph about 1915. Pictured from left to right are the following: (first row) Willie, Fannie, and Josph; (second row) Mary Ah Moey and Big Chung Ho Moey.

Return to Our Ione Tour or click on our Minor to end the tour

Information, photographs courtesy of the Amador County Archives, The Historical Marker Database, The Chronicling America Database, and Larry Cenotto, Amador County's Historian