1860

Chinese American population in US is 34,933 out of a total population of 31.4 million.

1865

Central Pacific recruits Chinese workers to build a transcontinental railroad.
Video: Building the Railroad - 56k | 220k

1868

First transcontinental railroad is completed.

1870

Chinese American population in US is 63,199 out of a total population of 38.5 million.

1871

Anti-Chinese violence erupts in Los Angeles and other cities. Such violence continues throughout the decade.
Eyewitness: Kwang Chang Ling - A Response to Hate

1882

Congress passes the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Video: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 - 56k | 220k

1890

Chinese American population in U.S. is 107,488 out of a total population of 62.9 million.

1898

In Wong Kim Ark v. U.S., courts rule that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen.
Video: The Courts - 56k | 220k