Excavation Reveals Chinese Cowboys in Eastern Oregon
Recent excavations on a rugged ranch in eastern Oregon have uncovered evidence that Chinese immigrants worked as cowboys—something not commonly associated with the American West. This discovery took place at the Stewart Ranch in Grant County, facilitated by a collaboration among various state agencies and researchers over the summer.
Chelsea Rose, one of the archaeologists involved, mentioned that the excavation was a fortunate operation due to Stewart Ranch’s well-preserved state. “So far, we’ve established links between Chinese immigrants and over 30 ranches in this region,” she shared.
Rose explained that some of these ranches have vanished, while others remain operational, still owned by the same families for generations. In this case, Stewart Ranch is preserved on public land. During the excavation, the team found bullets, food debris, cleaning products, broken plates, glass shards, and animal bones that could belong to past meals.
Items like buttons and jean rivets were also discovered, with Rose estimating that they might date from the early 20th century to the 1930s. The remnants of meals reflect a diet shared among the ranch workers, suggesting they might have enjoyed mutton, as a historical document mentioned a cook’s pride in the dish.
Rose emphasized that the ranch site remains largely unchanged since the time when Chinese cowboys and cooks were active, creating a curious sense of stepping back into history. The team is still analyzing the artifacts, which could reveal more about their age and, perhaps, the lives of those who worked there.
However, the artifacts discovered do present some challenges. Rose noted that it’s difficult to pinpoint whether the artifacts were made in China, as many Chinese Americans had lived and worked in the area for decades. They would have likely sourced goods from local merchants, reflecting their personal preferences and economic conditions.
“This highlights our need for further data,” she pointed out, noting the potential for more discoveries during upcoming excavations next summer. Rose finds it fascinating that they can still enjoy the same views and landscapes that were experienced a century ago.
The history of Chinese immigrants in southern Oregon dates back to the 1850 Gold Rush. Initially, they constituted a significant portion of the mining workforce, and as gold dwindled, many transitioned into the ranching industry, filling various roles from cowboys to cooks.
Despite their contributions, restrictive laws often prevented these cowboys from reuniting with their families, leaving behind a history that has often been overlooked. Rose stressed the importance of featuring Chinese American cowboys in the historical narrative of Oregon, stating that this inclusion enriches the story rather than detracting from other families’ efforts in the ranching sector. “It’s incredible to reintegrate their contributions into history,” she concluded.
