Did you know that after the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, Chicago Chinatown began as Chinese Immigrants wanted to escaped from the West from the anti-Chinese violence? The first Chinese immigrants migrated to Chicago in search of new jobs and opportunities as they compromised of 90% of the Railroad workforce. Chicago Chinatown was a booming and bustling place, welcomed by Chicagoans with laundromats, restaurants, and grocery stores! The major notable clans of Chicago Chinatown include families Moy, Wong, and Chin. In fact, from 1898 to 1940, there were over six thousand immigrant files in Chicago, and over one thousand of these files contained the name "Moy"! Sam Moy was the first "mayor" of Chinatown, and he acted as an interpreter and interacted with city officials on behalf of the area.

Chicago Chinatown surprised me with the amount of food, culture, and community that is seen throughout the plazas. It was amazing to see such a bright and bustling Chinatown.. I had so many warm interactions with shop owners and older residents when I asked them about the city and how they got here. 🥰 Definitely returning to finish trying all the food and buying more qipaos!