Rock Springs massacre: white miners kill Chinese coworkers

Background. Rock Springs, located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, saw significant anti-Chinese sentiment. The Union Pacific Coal Department preferred hiring Chinese miners for lower wages, angering European immigrant miners. The Knights of Labor, formed in Rock Springs in 1883, opposed Chinese labor, and most rioters were members. Tensions escalated through 1885, culminating in the massacre.

The Attack. At 7:00 a.m. on September 2, 1885, ten men arrived at coal pit number six. The violence resulted in at least 28 deaths and 15 injuries among Chinese miners. Women gathered at the plank bridge to cheer on the legacy miners. The attack was driven by racial prejudice and accusations that Chinese workers took jobs.

Aftermath. Surviving Chinese miners fled to Evanston. Soldiers arrived on September 5 and 9, 1885. On October 5, emergency troops were largely removed. Suspects were released on October 7. The massacre sparked further anti-Chinese violence in Washington Territory, including the Tacoma riot.

Property Damage. Rioters burned 78 Chinese homes, resulting in approximately $150,000 in property damage. The destruction occurred between 4 and 9 p.m. on September 2, 1885. The local newspaper defended the massacre, while other western newspapers offered limited support.