Ghosts of Gold Mountain Audiobook By Gordon H. Chang cover art

Ghosts of Gold Mountain

The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad

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Ghosts of Gold Mountain

By: Gordon H. Chang
Narrated by: David Shih
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A groundbreaking, breathtaking history of the Chinese workers who built the Transcontinental Railroad, helping to forge modern America only to disappear into the shadows of history until now.

From across the sea, they came by the thousands, escaping war and poverty in southern China to seek their fortunes in America. Converging on the enormous western worksite of the Transcontinental Railroad, the migrants spent years dynamiting tunnels through the snow-packed cliffs of the Sierra Nevada and laying tracks across the burning Utah desert. Their sweat and blood fueled the ascent of an interlinked, industrial United States. But those of them who survived this perilous effort would suffer a different kind of death - a historical one, as they were pushed first to the margins of American life and then to the fringes of public memory.

In this groundbreaking account, award-winning scholar Gordon H. Chang draws on unprecedented research to recover the Chinese railroad workers' stories and celebrate their role in remaking America. An invaluable correction of a great historical injustice, The Ghosts of Gold Mountain returns these "silent spikes" to their rightful place in our national saga.

©2019 Gordon H. Chang (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Americas Asia Asian American Studies China Engineering Railroads Social Sciences Specific Demographics State & Local Transportation United States World War Imperial Japan
Compelling History • Recovered Narrative • Substantial Account • Vital Story • Important Tale
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I enjoyed this story very much! The writer gives a colorful account of early Chinese immigrants who built the rail road between Sacramento and Utah. The narrator had an annoying and frequent habit of making awkward pauses to emphasize quotes, translations or descriptions.

Fascinating history of the Chinese rail workers

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I saw this book at the Golden Spike national historic monument. And decided to dive in. I’m glad I did, I learned a lot. And gained a perspective of things that are as well discussed.

Dive in to the US history of the internal rail

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This was a very good book. I didn't know about the Chinese immigrants part when building the railroad. It was engaging and entertaining. Great research!

Amazing History!

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We had no idea the details, sacrifice, and intensity of the involvement of these Men towards the advancement of our nation connecting the East to the West. Their dedication to the traditions of how their culture defines them has greatly impacted our history. We cannot believe their dedication under the intensity of such suffering and ungrateful treatment. This story starts out slowly. Stick with it as it begins to unfold an incredible story that you will truly appreciate.

Very inspiring, educational, and enlightening!

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I found this book historically interesting, I have been interested in the Transcontinental Railroad since I was a kid. Living in Utah were the Rails joined helps. This book is not much on story, but fu of interesting facts about how difficult it was to build the Railroad. If you want a perspective of the Chinese this book is for you.

Very well done history of the Railroad Chinese

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Most interesting account of Chinese history in America perhaps especially to students of the Central Pacific Railroad’s efforts in building the first transcontinental railroad westward.

Important story to be told and to be heard.

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Not only does the author provide a narration of events comprising the Chinese workers’ roles in building the railroads, he also includes sourcing details to explain how we know what we know, and how the gaps are filled in.

Proper History

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This is a subject who's time has come. In central Utah there are Chinese restaurants owned by the descendants of some of these immigrants. I believe they also worked in the coal mines in Carbon and Huntington UT. They came into a rough wild west. I've heard good things from my pioneer Mormon ancestors about the Chinese immigrants. Of course they were likely a bit more sympathetic given their recent history.

Great information

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This is yet another piece of history that has been swept under the rug because it did not reinforce the myth of white supremacy. In short, a transcontinental railroad was the next step in linking the country together but white men refused because of the massive hardship involved so Chinese laborers were brought across the Pacific. Through their extraordinary efforts and skills it was successfully completed.

A long ignored tale

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A so often forgotten part of American history. So important to read.
I love riding the trains and have read several books about the construction of the railroads, but had this book for a while in my library.
Decided to listen before my planned rail trip across the country, from the West coast to the East, this coming fall.
I knew that the author would be good. I have listened to his points of view and commentaries on TV.
I think it is a MUST read.
The narrator, mr. David Shih, is a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

IMPORTANT HISTORY

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