Tue Mar 04 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Wyoming Unearths Burned Remnants of 1885 Chinese Massacre

**Rock Springs, WY** – A recent archaeological dig in Rock Springs, Wyoming, has unearthed chilling evidence of the 1885 Rock Springs Massacre, one of the most brutal acts of racial violence in American history. The excavation, led by historical archaeologist Laura Ng of Grinnell College, uncovered a “burn layer” containing artifacts including a melted glass jar and a pig’s jaw, confirming the site of the massacre where at least 28 Chinese residents were killed and their Chinatown burned to the ground.

The dig, conducted on the planned site of a new memorial commemorating the 140th anniversary of the massacre, was prompted by concerns about preserving any potential historical artifacts. While much of the area was disturbed by later construction, the team found significant evidence in a previously unexcavated section of the park. The discovery included timbers from a Chinese dwelling and the crucial “burn layer” indicative of the fire that consumed the Chinese quarter.

The excavation also involved Dudley Gardner, a leading expert on the Rock Springs Massacre, who has spent decades researching the event, often facing community resistance to confronting this dark chapter of the town’s history. The discovery has renewed interest in understanding the full extent of the tragedy and ensuring the memorial appropriately honors its victims.

The massacre stemmed from rising anti-Chinese sentiment fueled by economic anxieties and labor disputes in the late 19th century. Chinese miners, brought in by the Union Pacific Railroad to work in the coal mines, were targeted by white miners who felt threatened by their presence. The violence culminated in a mob attack, arson, and the subsequent expulsion of the Chinese community from Rock Springs.

While the two-week excavation was cut short by funding constraints, the unearthed artifacts offer a powerful glimpse into the lives lost and the lasting impact of the massacre. Further investigation is planned to fully understand the site’s historical significance. The upcoming memorial, “Requiem,” is intended to serve as a poignant reminder of this tragic event and a step towards acknowledging the injustices suffered by the Chinese community.

Read More