Concordia's Chinese Cemetery

The picture shows graves at Concordia's Chinese Cemetery. Chinese immigrants first arrived in El Paso shortly before the Southern Union Pacific Railroad completed its line here in 1881. Although Chinese immigration was restricted by the U.S. Government in 1882, a vibrant Chinese community was created. It retained their native culture through language, food, community associations, and tradition. During the Mexican Revolution, General John Pershing brought hundreds of Chinese into the the United States from Mexico for their protection from racial violence. They were allowed to immigrate following General Pershing's Petitioning of Congress. The Chinese continued to migrate to El Paso during the "Great Depression" of the 1930's, prompted by the Communist take over of China. Chinese Cemetery is not full. The south section is, but the north section has only about 75 burials. Number of burials total 292. The markers that were placed on the graves were stolen or deteriorated over the years, leaving the Chinese no other resolve than using the large Concrete slabs with Chinese Characters recognizing the family members in the grave.

Area: Central / Five Points

Source: Leo Miletich

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History