In the 1850s, over 20% of Nevada County‘s population was Chinese. The town of Washington had one of the County's largest Chinese communities, and one of the most prominent Chinese families was that of Suey Chung (later better known as Fong Chow) and his wife, Lonnie Tom. Mr. Fong operated the nearby Omega Mine for some years.
Nevada County residents are invited to learn more about Mr. Fong and Ms. Tom on Saturday, May 27th at 11:00 am, when a plaque commemorating Washington’s Chinese Community will be unveiled. The plaque was sponsored by the family's descendants, led by Professor Gordon Chang of Stanford University, who will speak at the event. The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission will hold a ceremony at the head of China Alley, which led to the Chinese community. The Alley is located next to the General Store at 15382 Washington Road.
The plaque will be featured on the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission’s interactive map and in the next edition of its book Exploring Nevada County, a guide to the County's historical landmarks. The book is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon. Go to You Bet Press to find clickable links. A print version of the guide is available at local bookstores and museum gift shops.
The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, please call 415-264-7230.
