The Transcontinental Railroad, regarded as one of the seven great industrial wonders of the world, was the major artery connecting the east and west of the United States. It marked a milestone in the economic development of the country and helped shape modern America. Recognizing its importance, the U.S. government provided substantial funding and land, while two private railroad companies undertook construction. Work began simultaneously at both ends in 1863, with the goal of meeting in the middle. Although the project was originally scheduled to take 14 years, thanks to various efforts—particularly the participation of nearly 20,000 Chinese laborers—the immense challenges were overcome, and the entire project was completed seven years ahead of schedule, with the railroad successfully opening in 1869.

Before the railroad, traveling from the East to the West was arduous and dangerous, taking several months. The western regions were effectively isolated, and the economy could not be integrated with the East. After the railroad was completed, the United States truly became a united country, facilitating population growth and economic development in the West.

The Hardships and Contributions of Chinese Laborers

Chinese laborers made immense contributions to the railroad. On the western 1,100-kilometer section, 95% of the work was carried out by Chinese workers. Traversing the Sierra Nevada Mountains, they faced 40 miles of high peaks and cliffs, constructing 50 bridges and more than ten tunnels. The project was extremely challenging. Hundreds of American workers left to seek fortune in California’s gold fields, and the Chinese workers replaced them. Initially, some supervisors doubted whether the smaller-built Chinese laborers could handle such demanding work. One remarked, “If they can build the Great Wall, surely they can build a railroad.” Indeed, not only did the Chinese workers perform admirably, they accelerated construction.

Due to the dangerous conditions, thousands of Chinese laborers lost their lives on the job. Hundreds of bodies were returned to their hometowns for burial. A saying circulated at the time: “Every mile of railroad has the bones of Chinese laborers.”

Railroad Leaders Praise Chinese Workers

Leland Stanford (1824–1893), who managed the construction of the western segment, became a railroad hero in the U.S. He also served as governor of California and later as a U.S. senator for eight years until his death. Stanford generously donated funds to establish a university—now famously known as Stanford University. In his will, he stipulated the permanent employment of railroad workers in his enterprises. Even into the 20th century, descendants of the original laborers continued to work at the university. Stanford praised the Chinese workers as: “Calm, quiet, extremely diligent, law-abiding, surprisingly quick to learn, and with endurance far surpassing that of other peoples.”

A Belated Thank You from the White House

In 1969, during the centennial celebration of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the White House sent a letter to the Chinese community in San Francisco: “The entire federal government is deeply aware that Chinese ancestors shed blood and sweat, laboring under the harshest conditions to cut through mountains and build the railroad connecting east and west. This great achievement will be remembered forever.”

In 1991, the Illinois state government donated a monument to Shanghai, made with over 3,000 nails. The inscription reads: “The contributions of Chinese railroad workers were a key factor in connecting the East and West coasts of the United States and promoting national unity.”