Massacre at Hells Canyon | Oregon Experience | OPB

Hells Canyon is the site of what may be the worst massacre of Chinese people by white settlers in the United States.
Chinese immigrants helped build the West Coast of the United States, but they faced unprecedented legalized discrimination and violence. In 1887, a gang of Wallowa County, Oregon, men killed as many as 34 Chinese gold miners along the Snake River. For over a century, the murders were covered up, and no one was held accountable. This program delves into the mystery of what really happened at Chinese Massacre Cove and who was responsible.
Written story: www.opb.org/te...
A version in Mandarin Chinese is available here:
watch.opb.org/...
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#OregonExperience #hellscanyon #OPB #Oregon #PacificNorthWest #SnakeRiver #ChinaTown

[@lynnlavoy6778]

I am shocked the algorithm fed me this! My dad told me about killing the Chinese near Murtaugh Idaho along Snake River Canyon. I told a history teacher in Twin Falls ID the story in the 80's he said my dad made up the story. Wow, I feel so validated. RIP to those who never got justice. 😢

[@d.f.9064]

I hate when people think they know everything.

[@alteshaus5627]

Erstaunlich wie viel Unrecht so vielen Menschen wiederfahren ist. Die Leute die eingewandert sind hatten es besser wissen müssen

[@adamsmiths3016]

​@@d.f.9064 the smarter you get the more you understand just how much you don't know.

[@Jeremyho439]

"I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters-two beautiful, intelligent, Black young women-playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."

[@lynnlavoy6778]

@Jeremyho439 There is a Oprah Winfrey Quote from 2016 that was scrubbed from the internet...regarding Donald Trump "this election is about what type of presidecyt tou want" i don't think she realized gay & lesbian people love Trump. All the Epstein stuff was scrubbed off the internet for Clinton, Oprah etc. I am a Bernie Bro, and no the democrats would never put a jew on the ballot, so don't quote me the wife of the president who would not allow democracy.

[@michaelthomson8065]

This story really hit home with me.As a young man in the 1970's I prospected for gold in the headwaters of the Trinity River.Almost 50 years later,I call Eureka, Ca. my home.Eureka has a dark past.The Indian Island massace,that Brete Hart wrote about,the violent Chinese expulsion, and the killing of timber mill workers trying to unionize in the 1930's.Some of my clostest friends from working have been from Laos,and Mong,the sons of men who fought along side our troops in Vietman.Stories like this must never be forgotten, or swept under the rug.

[@tico9861]

⚜️

[@regretlesslife]

I'm embarrassed that I am only just now learning about these terrible pieces of history. As an adult I studied and visited places abroad....but now realize how ignorant I am about the stories of those that suffered, struggled and created the US. Thank you for this documentary and education.

[@astronautfarmer2358]

Yes, many tragic and horrible stories like this throughout all of human history. 😮

[@mycdoc]

Are as embarrassed about the Chinese currently enslaving millions of people? they are destroying their environment and many other environments around the world,? Not to mention the tens of millions who have died under communist rule? Does that embarrass you as well?

[@sundragon7703]

I've known about this for over 30 years. Most dismissed the event as BS or called it woke or accused me of being unAmerican for bringing it up. Thanks for creating this documentary.

[@HeronPoint2021]

Which explains why this area wants to join Idaho!

[@mchurch3905]

Woke. A non-word in the English language. It’s supposed to mean the same as the correct word: awakened. Invented by ignorant or non-English speaking people…A sad chapter in Oregon’s history eclipsed only by the white led ethnic cleansing of Native American tribes who had lived on their own land for thousands of years.

[@gfish9636]

Your virtue abounds

[@jasonwilliams1370]

Lame comment

[@olecamohatmcgilicudy4256]

A very "Kulty" area to this day. Enterprise, Or. Highly unsafe and corrupt

[@Nakomis67]

Thank goodness this is out for the public to see..as an Indigenous Elder from Minnesota I think more truthful factual education needed in mainstream!

[@Jesussayspayattention]

During the mid 1970s I lived in an area of Josephine County Oregon near an historical gold mining location of town of Waldo which is long gone. My friend named Dick Stein owned the town but he also has passed away. I was camping in Allen Gulch summer 1976 along the East Fork Illinois River and one day as I was hiking through this remote forested area I came upon an meadow which there in the ground in front of me were very many short white crosses there, there was an large steep bluff facing the meadow. There was significant evidence of hydraulic mining at this site. I made inquiries to local knowledgeable persons about this spot and was told that there were many Chinese miners whom had been killed and buried alive from the mine shaft was blown up due to these Chinese had been revolting and causing problems. It was an very eerie experience for me to come across this sad site there in SouthWestern Oregon. The Chinese did much hydraulic mining and built miles of stone water canals throughout Southern Oregon.

[@michaelthomson8065]

I lived,and mined for gold in the late 1970's along the headwaters of the New River,one of the tributaries of the Trinity River,in Northwest California. Here also can be found evidence of Chinese miners.If you ever make it to Weaverville Ca.,between Redding and Eureka,be sure to visit the historic Joss House,built by the Chinese community.

[@michaelthomson8065]

The Josh House,Weaverville, Ca.

[@rachaelb9469]

Please keep sharing information like this #stayaware #dontforgethistory

[@starrider4878]

self sustaining community (come unity) is what we need to get back to.

[@elaztec.aztecca]

Ditto!!!

[@jimjones1851]

absolutely loved this program .id heard this story before but had heard the outcome. thank you!

[@libmananchannel]

Hello "Oregon Public Broadcasting"! Thank you for showing us such a wonderful video! I feel so happy! I'm looking forward to your next work! Have a nice day!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Amazing documentary. It’s beautiful to see people coming together to pay tribute to the victims and tell their story.

[@curtrice6060]

Injustice 😢of all types 🧐 continues to this day. Money 💰 talks , BS rules 🥺

[@gsimons213]

A very profound documentary. I did not know this particular historical event but have read about other violent acts against Chinese communities and knew about the Chinese Exclusion Act. I am glad the researchers involved worked so hard to bring this story to light and that the Chinese miners were memorialized.

[@chrismullin8304]

Thank you for sharing these stories.

[@ruby2thursday]

great video/story bringing awareness to those of us ignorant of this happening(me at least). sad and tragic but glad you made the video.

[@kathyhepler382]

Thank you for this video!! A really disgusting shame. What happened!!!!

[@countryrebel01]

Greed

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

Great work. Thank you for your dedication to bringing this history to light. Of all the wrongs we are learning about in our history, the treatment of Chinese immigrants must be one of the least known.

[@wendybutler1681]

This was a beautiful tribute to those men.

[@rick419]

I rafted hell's canyon in 2016. I had heard about the massacre and it's interesting to learn more. How horrible.

[@kathyh4804]

Sadly another example of the evil humans are capable of! Still today people commit horrific crimes, and not held accountable All the murderers of the Chinese men may have thought they got away with their despicable crimes, but they didn’t! They are all dead and had to face God ! Can’t hide from that! Thank you for sharing this! I had no idea of this crime

[@GaiaCarney]

I had heard rumors of this event 😔 such a sickening injustice

[@nobody687]

I think the horrible massacres of chinese in lake tahoe are the most horrific mass murders by way and number. Sinking large boats full of men to avoid paying them for building the rail road. 100s were murdered this way. Drowned. Google , Chinese drowned in lake tahoe California.

[@TJ-id6ee]

Oh my gosh, I never knew that. How horrible!

[@dutchymon]

CCP anti US propaganda

[@craigb8228]

Where can I find more information on this story.

[@nobody687]

@craigb8228 Google,,, who were the Chinese bodies at the bottom of Lake tahoe. . Also rail road drowns Chinese in lake tahoe CA.

[@TJ-id6ee]

@@nobody687 That's so sad. I actually went to High School in South Lake Tahoe.

[@Crodmog83]

Great video. Thanks sharing this story

[@johnrusselman1364]

History is history but it's purpose is to be remembered.

[@tarriegibson1193]

I just wanted to add that mining was terribly destructive of the environment but I would never wish death on anyone. As a local indigenous person I see the exploiting of our lands as destructive, but I don't like alot of the destruction in my ancestral land.🙂Thank you for the mutual understanding though of human life and longing to live it .

[@tarriegibson1193]

Indigenous people here were excluded and forced onto reservations during that time also.Just sayin. Chief Joseph was my 5th great grandma's brother, and my 5th great grandfather. Chief Peopeomoxmox signed the treaty of 1855 and was murdered by volunteer malita men 6 months later at the cabin of his daughter and son inlaw a Hudson Bay company worker. There grand children and great grandchildren (who had married other half tribal members in other tribes)were relocated to the confederated tribes of the Umatilla in 1890.... 🙂 I myself went fishing at the snake river every summer as a kid and this story really makes you think on many levels. 🙂 And yes I agree we need to look at history and learn from it in order to do better. Thanks 🙂✌️

[@JasonSmith-fp4ky]

Been to the site many times while exploring Hells Canyon and the Snake river. There is a commemorative plaque located at the site

[@krisendicott2306]

A great video shame about such an atrocity should have happened 😢

[@kidmohair8151]

there are still those among us who would perform such crimes on anyone they deem "inferior". they have been given license to come out of the woodwork and emerge from under the stones where they have had to hide. never forget. never again.

[@rmf9567]

😂😂😂😂

[@shurppa64]

Ted W is their leader

[@GoldenBoy-et6of]

Democrats love doing that blatantly. Look at portland

[@elaztec.aztecca]

Gun toting MAGATS

[@gfish9636]

Easy Turbo

[@christianworthinton8000]

Great historical information!...

[@yolousee3917]

wow I lived in halfway, Oregon few years back and this is the 1st time hearing about this💔😢

[@freckles8119]

I remember touching on this in elementary school. I made a comment about it to my mother. Next time we went to Idaho we stopped at hells canyon and my parents really told me the story.

[@meripederson8379]

Thank you for this history lesson, I've not heard anything about this. It's tragic,sad and horrific and needs telling.

[@juniorgc8]

Thank you for the Video we must remember history so I’d doesn’t repeat itself.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

Its crazy how diversity based on race has almost always been an issue and seeing each other as Humans is such a difficult thing concieve. Its so strange and has created so many problems on Earth.

[@craigb8228]

Crazy how they fight even harder against their own kind.

[@simonestreeter1518]

You planning on going to live in the back country of China, all alone? Oh? And why not, aren't they humans?

[@elaztec.aztecca]

Well said Erik sir.

[@user-luminlush999]

It's natural to appreciate others unless your a narcissist with psychopathy. All the founding people of this country, came to escape high crimes in Europe and Spain. They wanted slavery because they were psychopaths and incapable of connection or community. They destroyed everything they touched. Till this day, serial killers continue to roll off that family tree. Too bad the tribes didn't castrate them early on to prevent the ongoing slaughter of ethnic cleansing and endless stream of murders of women n children. Most still unsolved.

[@margaretcarr6387]

Thankyou for caring..

[@garyamusic]

The love of money is the root of all evil. It's been decades, God rest their souls.

[@craigb8228]

Help us rid this world of capitalism that only supplies wants not needs.

[@gaylebordeaux7632]

@@craigb8228you wrong pal, capitalism has helped many millions advance thru hard work and freedom to be what you want to be. You commies divide the country, not help moving forward.

[@thorny3218]

@@craigb8228 can I have all your stuff then?

[@larrybenedict4984]

@@craigb8228Yes, let’s all convert to communism or socialism so we can all be dictated to by our government. Your comment is as short sighted as they come. Capitalism has done more to improve the lives of humans than anything else in history. One only has to look at the inventions that have come out of a free market to see that fact.

[@christophereichten9005]

@@larrybenedict4984 Be quiet Larry

[@kathleankeesler1639]

Thank you.

[@Blackwing-q2t]

I am from Happy Camp, Ca. There was a huge population of Chinese miners there in the 1800’s. China town was burnt to the ground several times, murder and mayhem ruled. There is a Chinese graveyard above the town separate from the others. They also mined Jade and Jadeite. My friend Gene bought the old Chan Jade mine decades ago.

[@jkhtravelrn]

Excellent video

[@dereksasquatchgarletts7924]

Who did the guitar for this? Or what would you call the style? Thanks.

[@LovelyLass-nb8op]

Unfortunately Oregon has a dark history even today, check how many missing or murdered cold cases ,260k

[@beatrixbliss276]

I am deeply grateful that today we live side by side in harmony with our Chinese brothers and sisters. We are making progress, however slowly.

[@sawittwo]

Thanks for the History lesson.🙏

[@awen777]

Something very similar is rumored to have happened in my community around the same time period. It was about half as many Chinese. Only word of mouth. Most who remember have passed on now.

[@moe42o]

Cheers from Joseph Oregon 🎉

[@countryrebel01]

I'm from the area and lots of people were killed and robbed back then. Florence Idaho was another mining town where people were killed on an almost daily basis. Magruder massacre is another very interesting story. Lots of Chinese helped build the camas prairie railroad too. Also use to hear stories back in the day where they'd move the Chinese workers in underground tunnels under the Lewiston streets so they weren't seen but I could never confirm that by anyone.

[@cruisepaige]

Gosh the part about the wind at the end moved me to tears.

[@CryptoSeph]

As an Oregon native I have known my entire life the truth of the states history. It should be know, the future can be better.

[@crazygame2724]

My father was born on a homestead out in Eastern, Oregon in 1916. Grandma and Grandpa came out to Oregon in 1909. The homestead was very close to Farewell Bend. My father used to say, when he was talking about the Chinese, hard working men, but they didn't have a Chinaman chance.. Dad told me that a group of Chinese miners were working a gold claim in a mine. Toward the end of claim the mine owners blew the mine shut killing the Chiese miners so they didn't have to pay them.

[@eithieus1652]

Really sad how these people where treated and many others. Man can be nasty at times.

[@barnesmultimedia2725]

This video will not go over well in Florida. We are in the least racist country in the world. Thank you for a great presentation.

[@intuitknit]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@dianemitchell1717]

Don’t you mean we are the ‘most’ racist country in the world? We are so frightened of any skin color other than white or of anyone of a different religion other than Christianity.

[@rmf9567]

You’re absolutely right people that say the United States is racist are idiots.. they’ve never been outside the country

[@jamesrjohanniii774]

Hahahahaha Yes I've heard Racism does not exist in Florida. Amazing first in the whole world congratulations !🎉 Must be wonderful 👍🏼

[@roytallow6784]

We All Matter !?

[@dinahjackson8146]

FATHER GOD, BLESS KIND SOULS ! ❤

[@cjodieransom1187]

I live near Wallowa Lake .....Hell's Canyon Area. It's beautiful here. I live a block away from the Court house at the beginning of the film.

[@moe42o]

Cheers from Joseph. 🎉

[@jkhtravelrn]

There is another site up near Weippe, Idaho. I remember seeing a sign there and was told that it was the sight of a mass killing of Chinese civilians, and there is a building with an underground storefront where an Chinese Opium den was robbed and the owners / occupants were killed. There used to be a “underground tour” of the original storefronts under the current downtown Lewiston, Idaho. There are glass blocks in the current sidewalk that lend light into the underground city. I’m not sure if they still do the tours. I haven’t heard of any for probably the last 20+ years. My daughter and I took that tour when she was in her teens. If you find out more, let me know. I would love to go again.

[@Ro6entX]

Not directly linked to Oregon but Chinese workers, but folklore of Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada is that group of Chinese workers on railroads were thrown overboard in the lake but no evidence has been found or bodies, either.

[@TJ-id6ee]

Just like 25 Chinese murdered in China camp in Roslyn, WA back in 1886 over mining jobs in the coal mines.

[@barendtjaden1661]

Probably same murderers

[@DeannaFisher-by3yk]

😢

[@beatrixbliss276]

And the dozens of Chinese who were murdered and thrown in the Trinity River in Texas when they were laying track for the railroad.

[@robertkerr4201]

This may be the worst, or one of the worst such incidents to have occurred in American history. Unfortunately, it was far from unique. Prejudice and its consequences are an ugly stain on the beautiful fabric of our country.

[@craigb8228]

Most believe the worst was in Oklahoma.

[@rmf9567]

Grow up it’s part of history. You’ve never been outside the country have you?? go to some other countries and say that same comment

[@bobross5079]

Blood Island Massacre Wiyot Indian Tribe Eureka CA ,. check that one out ~ only one baby survived

[@carolwarn7497]

Any asian was sent to an internment camp in the 40s after pearl harbor

[@walterblock5082]

@@rmf9567 Grow up and quit using copy and paste, troll a bit better eh?

[@williamlouie569]

Even now these people treat others as dirt or even less!

[@simonestreeter1518]

'These people' ? Who has been treating you like dirt you poor thing?

[@DianaStuckert]

I have never heard of this. So much history is hidden from us who live so close.

[@gullybull5568]

16:22 WISEMAN was A JEW not german. 😂

[@roberthance2412]

How awful ..

[@garyleiser753]

We also have to remember that there was no law enforcement there in those days.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

And also when there was any it was most likely filled with corruption and easy to bribe at first.

[@craigb8228]

Let us be thankful for our law enforcement agencies.

[@IvanIvanoIvanovich]

While true, existing laws and law enforcement at the time were expressly white supremacist in nature. Additionally, "privatized" killings, as in the genocide of indigenous people by volunteer forces, were subsidized by the state and federal government.

[@sophiasummers1637]

Small farmers tore up the natural econsystem and tried to make it raise crops that were not designed to grow there.

[@Ivan-pl2it]

Farming tore up ecosystem? Have you seen what avalanches, mudslides, volcanoes, tidal waves, earthquakes etc do to ecosystems. If you come to reality and like to eat, get a real cause. Farmers turn a foot of top soil when floods carve out canyons.

[@sophiasummers1637]

@@Ivan-pl2it I am a 5th US grain farmer. Farming has changed. The amount of chemicals poured on the land to keep it productive is dictated by bankers not people with dirt on their hands. Polyculture methods have proven repeatedly to be more productive and resistant to pests. But we are only planting Round Uo ready wheat & barley because that is what the loan holding banks dictate. Their advice comes directly from Monsanto. - You arm chair farmer reaction is pathetic

[@MrDan1509]

@@sophiasummers1637 You mean your family is 5th Gen farmers...or you married into one. Because a REAL farmer won't bash what pays the bills or speak of things that will drive the Left nuts. I feel you are the arm chair farmer here!

[@gilbertmartinez1925]

Greed is usually the motive. And even today there are some that want to rewrite history. What shameful behavior for that time and even now ☹️

[@beachcomber3036]

OPB Needs 2 Do a Story on Alonzo Tucker 🏋‍♂️ a Black Boxing Coach in Coos Bay Oregon in 1902 🌲🌲 Alonzo Tucker Is The Only Documented Black Man in Oregon 2 B Shot & Killed 💀 Then Lynched by White Coal Miners.There is a Memorial 4 Alonzo Tucker in Coos Bay Oregon.

[@robertbromley5230]

The history of The persecution and murder of Chinese in the settling of the Inland Northwest was hard to find and simultaneously there for all to see. I live on the Idaho Palouse but grew up in Lewiston. Strychnine Creek feeds the Palouse River near Laird Park in Latah county. It is named for a failed attempt at poisoning a large group of Chinese miners by dumping the substance into the creek upstream of their camp. On the Camas Prarie near Wieppe and Pierce you can find “The Chinese Hanging Tree”. It even has a historical marker.

[@carolbowman5881]

I also recommend Massacred for Gold, by R.Gregory Nores.

[@JesseJames83]

25:26 That looks like a car stereo amplifier in that white box 👀👀

[@markthomas4083]

This tragedy brings to light evilness in our society. I feel so bad for the slain Chinese souls that were executed on site. Words are not able to help right this wrong. Hella Canyon lived up to its name.

[@rmf9567]

You’ve never been outside the country have you? Go to some other countries and say that same comment

[@markthomas4083]

@@rmf9567 you told me!

[@guaporeturns9472]

Awful things like this occurs in every society , unfortunately.

[@goldenagenut]

Seriously, people who fret over things in the distance past like this have far too much time on their hands.

[@pneumamedia4090]

Is it larger than what the railroads did to the Asian workforce once the line was completed?

[@SurvivalistMedia]

In the late 19th century, a man in Pendleton shot and murdered a Chinese man for being above ground during the day time. He was prosecuted for shooting a gun in city limits.

[@Eric-d6v]

Nothing shall be hidden..and every knee shall bow. Praise Jesus Christ Holy Holy Holy name ❤

[@paulbruney1072]

The Chiefs real name was Little Joseph .

[@dannymullen352]

This is pretty sicking all kept quite & all got away with Murder the people always turned the Chinese they were treated like dogs this B.S.🤬🤬🤬

[@amr8457]

In Washington, because it was shown in this video, also discriminated against the Japanese.

[@robertafierro5592]

I just love history, don't you?

[@Glen.Danielsen]

What an important, choice documentary. Great excellence in journalism! Thank you so much, Xièxiè, friends. 🫡💛

[@user-jd9fl2zx2u]

Great episode

[@BobbiTopacio]

Pregon has always been either great or terrible at the same time we couldn't make up our minds which we wanted to be to this day we are still the samecan't make up our widhy washy minds I still is one of the best states in the union in my opinion born there grew up there still have fond memories of itthough haven't lived there for years still love it

[@AerialEscape]

beautiful

[@jer3996]

Tough life for sure. I'd be interested in seeing a story on westerners in the East as well. I doubt there was any difference.

[@carywest9256]

How can you prosecute a dead person for murder?

[@elaztec.aztecca]

I guess it just brings shame to the offenders offspring/family name. ?

[@frackit284]

@@carywest9256 regardless it’s important for closure, being dead doesn’t make a difference, history needs to be told and remembered

[@Carl-ht7cg]

I read this in school library when l was Jr High l love history 😎

[@KirkBeaulieu]

Grew up in Lewiston Idaho and knew this had occurred.

[@Bill-cv1xu]

Imagine a six thousand mile journey on a wood boat..You know they had to be tough..

[@kellyowen49]

Background music too over powering i cant think or hear clearly. Darn shame am veri intrested

[@Onora619]

I know every state has a blood history, but OR seems to take it up a notch.

[@guyrivera3100]

Very good to hear about our people who come to the USA back then and too know what happened to them my Chinese name is hu

[@glennhopkins2643]

So what ? This is very old news.

[@jesseshepherd10]

So are you.

[@lanagalbraith6542]

Look at all the Chinese workers the railroads tied together and drowned in Lake Tahoe in order not to pay them...

[@cherimolina2121]

During this time period "Americans" knew no history of China. To work for barely nothing WAS something because in China one could be conscripted to work for nothing by the ruling dynasty (Qing) or be slain for just looking at "imperials". Americans, those of European Irish Italian German descent never experienced that level of ingrained servitude. Remember to understand history with the mindset of the period. I'm not dismissing the tragedy. American Indians were slaughtered like this weekly and they still have not received any apology or even empathy by this country. The more powerful will always prey on the lesser. It is the natural order of things, no matter what country one is from or lives in. Only animals do not premeditate!

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

If you have to go back 150 years to find a particular kind of grievance you are looking for the wrong kind

[@AlfredCerwensky]

VLC Valley has a interesting history

[@raten2791]

If OPB published the story you can guarantee theres a narrative they are adhereing to and only part of the actual story is reported.

[@MartyRenard]

The same thing happened in holcomb valley california

[@glenclarkchidley3637]

The common denominator in every act of mass violence on American soil… God fearing Christians ✝️ Was as true then as it is today!

[@markthomas4083]

Glen, wake up!

[@simonestreeter1518]

Thanks Mark. This sort of thing is getting pathetic.@@markthomas4083

[@givemeabreakdoc]

Which is a leftist lie. If they’re actual, “Christians”, they wouldn’t be killing innocent people. It’s like a democrat claiming they love America and follow the constitution.

[@consi1801]

Wow.

[@larrybenedict4984]

Huh, guess I missed the part that mentioned that those six “known horse thieves” killing them for their gold were “God fearing Christains”!….???

[@bryanfox2735]

Same thing happened in nor cal in valcanoville just outside of George Town above caloma back in the gold rush!

[@robnowe5464]

Using "killed" when it is "murder" is wrong.

[@andrewosborn1451]

Just people being people.

[@Jeremyho439]

"I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters-two beautiful, intelligent, Black young women-playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."