The Spirit of Stockton's Chinatown

The spirit of Stockton’s historical Chinatown hides in two blocks surrounding Washington Street.  Thousands of Chinese from the Kwangtung province came to Stockton during the 1850’s due to a combination of political and economic unrest in China and the discovery of gold in California.  After the Gold Rush, many found opportunities in railroad and reclamation projects and settled in Stockton. By 1880, the city was home to the third largest Chinese community in California.

The earliest Chinese community in Stockton was located on Channel Street between Hunter and El Dorado Streets.  Fire destroyed much of this original settlement and the community moved to the south bank of Mormon Slough.  Later, the center of commerce and social activity for the Chinese community moved to East Washington Street between Center and Hunter Streets. The area was well known for its residences, restaurants, stores, and gambling houses.   

Discriminatory laws up until the late 19th century restricted immigration and prevented the Chinese from buying property. Finally, after the turn of the century, American-born Chinese were allowed to buy property and own buildings. The Lincoln Hotel, built in 1920 by the Wong brothers on South El Dorado Street, was considered one of Stockton’s finest hotels of the time.

During the 1960’s, redevelopment and construction of the Crosstown Freeway destroyed most of the original Chinatown.  But, there are some reminders of its illustrious past. The Asian-styled Lee Center and the promenade on Chung Wah Lane were built on the site of the original Chinatown.  Chinese family associations are still located in the area.  On Lock Sam, a popular Cantonese restaurant, was originally established on Washington Street in 1895.
As we invest in neighborhood revitalization, we should remember the Washington Street Chinatown as one of the city’s earliest residential and commercial neighborhoods.  More importantly we must remember the early Chinese pioneers for their courage to persist and thrive in Stockton and for their vast contributions to the city.

Alice van Ommeren is the author of Stockton in Vintage Postcards and
a member of the Stockton Cultural Heritage Board.