Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
Groups of Chinese men came to Texas more than 120 years ago. They came to help build the railroads across the state. Hearne, Toyah and El Paso were some of the towns where they settled.
Between 1882 and 1943, the U.S. Government did not allow many Chinese people to enter the United States. However, in 1917, about 500 Chinese people were allowed to settle in San Antonio. These people had been living in Mexico. When an expedition of American soldiers went to Mexico, the Chinese gave them food and supplies. When the Americans left Mexico, the Chinese followed them. They were permitted to enter the U.S. because they had helped the soldiers.
Since 1943, many more Chinese people have come to Texas. They live mostly in cities. Houston has more Chinese Texans than any other city in the state. There are shopping centers with signs in Chinese. A Chinese-language newspaper is printed there. Chinese is spoken in theaters and churches. Cities throughout the state celebrate Chinese cultural traditions such as the Lunar New Year.
Handbook of Texas
- ChineseThis page details the history of Chinese peoples in Texas.
Selected Histories
The Adventures of Eddie Fung: Chinatown Kid, Texas Cowboy, Prisoner of War by Call Number: E184.C5 F86 2007
Chinese Heart of Texas: The San Antonio Community, 1875 to 1975 by Call Number: F395.C5 B76 2005- The Chinese in El Paso byCall Number: F 394 .E4 F37
- The First of Many: The Story of a Pioneering Chinese Family Who Lived in Texas for One Hundred Years byCall Number: F394 .T86 M37 1998 (ITC Library and Special Collections)
Organizations
- Chinese Community Center (Houston)The Chinese Community Center is a multi-ethnic organization serving all Houstonians. Their mission is to bridge East and West by enriching families with educational, cultural, and social service programs.
- Chinese Society of AustinThe Chinese Society of Austin (CSA), established in 1996, is one of the oldest Chinese organizations in Austin. The vision and mission include the following:
to serve the Chinese American communities in greater Austin and its surrounding areas,
to promote unity among Chinese Americans from China , Taiwan, Hong Kong and other parts of the world,
to enhance friendships, communication and assistance among Chinese Americans ,
to increase the influence of Chinese Americans in economic, cultural, industrial, and high technological sectors of American society. - OCA - DFW Dallas - Fort Worth OCA ChapterThe Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. (OCA) was founded in 1973, is a national non-profit, non-partisan civil rights advocacy organization. OCA is dedicated to securing the rights of Asian Pacific American citizens and permanent residents through legislative and policy initiatives at all levels of government. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations and to better the lives of the more than 10 million Asian Pacific Americans living in the United States.
- Texas A&M China Hong Dance SocietyThe Texas A&M China Hong Dance Society is a non-profit organization founded by students who are passionate to promote Chinese culture and dance. The mission of the China Hong Dance Society is to promote the graceful performing art - Chinese dance and flourish Chinese culture in the University and local community.