An Archaeological Record of Chinese Mining in the Snake River Canyon, Idaho

The discovery of gold near Shoshone Falls in 1869 provided newly discharged Chinese workers from the Central Pacific Railroad with a new economic opportunity. Records indicate that at least one of those claims was purchased by Ah Mon Mong and the Tung Toek Tong from Relf Bledsoe in November 1871. This transfer became possible following the repeal in the Autumn of 1870 of the ban on “Chinese emigration" enacted the previous May, possibly indicating the waning returns from placer deposits. In 2024, CHC initiated an intensive pedestrian inventory of the canyon, focusing on the area between the Hansen Bridge and the Perrine Bridge in Jerome and Twin Falls Counties. Our more intensive survey of the area has revealed a landscape of mining activities that will support the nomination of the Canyon as a National Historic District. 

Visit the Thousand Springs Visitor Center for a presentation by Dr. Ken Cannon as he shares his in-depth knowledge.