The Case:
In the first half of the 20th century, nearly 250,000 Chinese immigrants attempted to enter the United States.
Because of discrimination against Chinese and laws meant to impede their passage, most were detained and interrogated on Angel Island, America's west coast immigration center.
The experience of these immigrants is documented in hundreds of poems that have been carved into the walls of the Angel Island detention center.
Many of these have been translated, but little is known about the authors.
Kathleen Wong, a second-generation Chinese American, believes that her grandfather and great-grandfather spent time on the island and that her great-grandfather may have committed suicide there.
She knows little about her ancestors' experience on Angel Island and their possible connection with the poems.
The History Detectives investigate the story of her family's passage to the United States to find out if any of the poems were written by her ancestors.
Season 1, Episode 6
Season 2, Episode 7
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Angel Island, San Francisco
Related Content
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
WB Cartoons
What can this curious artwork tell us about some of our most beloved cartoon characters?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Survivor Camera
Did this antique camera save a Polish Jew during the Holocaust?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
WPA Mural Studies
Are these unusual paintings part of the biggest job creation program in America's history?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Civil War POW Photos
Were these pictures made in a Civil War prison with a home-made camera?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
WWI Chemical Warfare Map
Could this map be an authentic relic from a critical WWI battle?
-
Related Investigation
Suffrage Pennant
What can this pennant tell us about one woman's role at a crucial point in Women's Suffrage movement?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.