By Mark Hallum
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) has teamed up with a Republican counterpart from California to recognize the contribution of Asian Americans to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
May is formally recognized as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, so Meng and U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) are honoring the legacy of immigrants with a resolution to urge the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to Asian labor on the historic rail project.
“The story of the Chinese railroad workers and the tremendous contributions they made to the growth and prosperity of our country must be told,” said Meng. “They deserve the recognition they earned, and a commemorative postage stamp would be a very appropriate tribute to this important part of American history.”
The Transcontinental Railroad was constructed from 1865 to 1869 and crossed roughly 2,000 miles. The track was the first of its kind and was considered a major stride in connecting the east and west coasts of the United States.
However, the project was not without sacrifice. The work was dangerous and many laborers died from exposure to the elements and other accidents. An estimated 12,000 Chinese workers contributed to the train line among many other nationalities.
“Even in the face of bitter discrimination, the nearly 12,000 Chinese immigrants who worked on the project were indispensable to its successful completion,” Royce said. “They and their descendants have left our country with an enduring legacy that has contributed to our vibrant Asian-American community.”
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
