Mary Tyson, Director of the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History
In the late 1800s, Idaho was home to a substantial Chinese community, drawn by the allure of gold and opportunities in railroad construction. While the written history of mining companies and early prospectors is well-documented in the Wood River Valley, details about the Chinese community remain scarce because anti-Chinese sentiment eventually drove them out. A poignant glimpse into this history comes from this photo of an abandoned log building bearing a sign for Major Hong King Wash House—a modest shed that once housed a laundry business.
This tangible link to the past is especially moving, shedding light on the Chinese residents of Ketchum and Major Hong King’s business. The laundry’s unassuming structure contrasts with grander narratives of the silver mining era, offering concrete evidence of a community history largely missing historical records.
A court case from 1897 adds another layer to Major Hong King’s story, involving a dispute with Quong Que Hing over money owed for work and a potato trade. This court case shows that Major Hong King grew potatoes as well. Idaho’s early Chinese immigrants played a role in potato farming—a legacy the state is renowned for today.
As we approach the Lunar New Year on January 22, marking the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac, the Wood River Valley commemorates its rich history. Take a moment to look at the public art piece, Prosperity Mountain by Gemma Daggatt, installed last October on Walnut and Main St. in Hailey. It pays tribute to the Chinese community that once flourished here.
Note this story was originally published in January of 2024 in the Idaho Mountain Express.
