In 1865, Chinese immigrants were enlisted by the Central Pacific Railroad in the building of the western section of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Between 1865 and May 10, 1869, when the “Golden Spike” was driven with a silver hammer at Promontory Summit, it was estimated up to 15,000 Chinese, the majority of the labor force, had been working tirelessly over and through the granite walls of the Sierra Nevada and the blistering desert of Nevada.
The First Transcontinental Railroad united California and the other western states to the eastern part of the country. With newly-opened markets in the east, there was rapid growth in California’s agricultural production which was later followed by growth in other economical forms as well.
2015 marked the start of 150th anniversary of the Chinese building the First Transcontinental Railroad. Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), Union Pacific, California State Railroad Museum, California Center and Shandong Film Association, China co-hosted a series of events in Sacramento and San Francisco to celebrate this occasion. Some of the hosts of the 2015 celebrations de-cided to form a new nonprofit organization, US – China Railroad Friendship Association, to continue this effort.
The Stage Play “Silent Spike”
Jan 22, 2026
Dear UCRFA Friends,
Happy New Year!
The Stage Play “Silent Spike”, produced by Huayi Performing Group, will be presented in Fremont on February 7th and 8th, 2026. To help the performers better understand the history of Chinese Railroad Workers, UCRFA worked with Huayi Performing Group, Chinese Art Association of San Francisco, APAPA CVRB, and 1882 Foundation arranged the visiting of the CA State Railroad Museum on January 18, 2026.
About thirty plus people from few organizations attend the event, Dr. Wei Zhang, the president of UCRFA and Vicki Beaton, board member of UCRFA welcomed the group, both Wei and Vicki are the docents of the CSRM. Dr. Wei Zhang hosted ceremony, the director of CSRM Dr. Ty Smith had a welcome remark, producer Mrs Jianpin Chen introduce the background of the performing group and the stage play, she donated an object used by Chinese Railroad Worker representing the Green Mountain Foundation, she also donated two checks to CSRMF from the Green Mountain Foundation and Jiajun Lin and Jianping Chen Foundation, five thousand dollars each. The representative of Huayi Performing Group, Chinese Railroad Worker descendant, Playwright, music conductor, APAPA representative had a short speech.
The performers, artists and visitors relearned the history of the first transcontinental railroad and Chinese Railroad Workers. The performers visited each site wearing their costumes and toke photos. Hope the visit will help the performers better present their roles the show. Wish success to the performance.
Please find detailed information in the flyer attached.
P.S. the photos were provided by photographer Tianlin Wang.
Phil Sexton’s seminar: https://youtu.be/PVEcZJm4WtA
Dr. Raymond D. Chong’s seminar: https://youtu.be/FqRG65-F_b0
USRFA Forum 2024
Men of Iron and the Golden Spike 《铁汉金钉》
— Symphonic oratorio commemorating the Chinese railroad workers of the North America —
— 交响清唱剧，致敬150年前修建美国太平洋铁路的华工 —
Donate to US China Railroad Friendship