Asian American Resources

Asian Americans have made Utah their home since the 1860s, when Chinese railroad workers on the Transcontinental Railroad laid track from California to Promontory Summit and continued to work the region's railroads. Japanese immigrants arrived in the 1880s, filling labor needs created by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Chinese and Japanese communities engaged in railroad, mining, and farming work across Utah during the early 20th century. While Utah's role in the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans is well known, this is only one part of Utah's Asian American history. Filipinos, Koreans, Taiwanese, and people from across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent have formed thriving communities here. Today, more than thirty Asian ethnic groups are part of Utah's cultural fabric.

Utah's Asian American History Timeline
Designed for educators and students, this timeline covers key Asian American events in Utah and the United States. It includes immigration, locations, work, events, contributions, local leaders, laws, and more.