Chinese laborers did much of the toughest work building the Central Pacific Railroad. That included blasting tunnels through the granite of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to eventually connect to the Union Pacific line at Promontory Point, Utah, in 1869. Today, Lindsay is joined by Sue Lee, historian and former executive director of the Chinese Historical Society of America. She and historian Connie Young Yu edited Voices from the Railroad: Stories by descendants of Chinese railroad workers. Order your copy of the new American History Tellers book, The Hidden History of the White House, for behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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As we explore the triumphs and tragedies that shaped America, we're always striving to paint a vivid, nuanced picture of the past. And with Wondery+, you can experience that vision in its purest form. Enjoy ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and exclusive bonus content that illuminates the human stories behind the history.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and see American history through a whole new lens. Imagine it's a sunny, warm afternoon on May 10, 1869, and you're standing on the summit of a large hill near Promontory, Utah. You shield your eyes from the midday sun as you and dozens of your fellow railroad workers toast in celebration.
You've just witnessed the ceremonial golden spike being driven into the final rail of the Transcontinental Railroad, and your head is swirling with excitement. You take a swig from a bottle of whiskey and then hand it to your friend standing beside you. He gives you a nod of thanks. You know, while I was breaking my back trying to dig this damn thing, I didn't think this day would ever come.
Sure glad I was wrong. Me too. For the last two years, it feels like I've done nothing but swing a sledgehammer. But here we are at last. Your friend hands the bottle of whiskey back to you, and you gesture in the direction of a photographer who's setting up his equipment. Well, looks like they're going to try and memorialize the moment with a picture. Maybe we'll get in the paper.
Well, that would be something. I bet my wife and boy would be so proud. Well, come on, let's make sure we're not left out. You and your friend make your way over to two large locomotive engines that have been positioned facing each other on the track to mark the occasion and squeeze into the crowd surrounding them. Just then, though, you notice a group of Chinese workers standing to the side.
You think they're going to get in the picture too? How should I know? They'll do whatever they want, I suppose. Well, they ought to be in the picture. They do the most dangerous work and get paid less than us too. I guess go invite them, but you'll lose out on a good spot. Your friend starts climbing up the side of one of the engines, eager to get a more prominent place in the photograph.
You look back and see the photographer's assistant, ushering the Chinese workers further away from the group. You want to say something, but you're also afraid you'll lose your place. So you scramble up next to your friend, and just as you manage to find your footing, you hear a loud pop and see the flash of a photographer's bolt.
You smile knowing you managed to make your way into the history books, but you also feel a pang of guilt as you think of everyone who's being left out. Apple Card is the perfect card for your holiday shopping. You can apply on your iPhone in minutes and start using it right away.
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