"Mountain of Gold" is a non-fiction book written by Betty Lee Sung. Published in 1967, the book delves into the history of Chinese-Americans, challenging prevailing notions about the assimilability of Chinese immigrants. Betty Lee Sung, an American author and activist, brings a compassionate perspective to her subject, enriched by personal experiences and observations on recent developments within the Chinese community.
The narrative spans historical events, from the limited presence of Chinese individuals in California between 1565 and 1815 to the significant waves of Chinese immigrants arriving in the United States during the 19th century. The book explores the contributions of Chinese Americans in various endeavors, including the California Gold Rush, the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, and labor on Southern plantations after the Civil War. Throughout these periods, Chinese Americans faced widespread racism, segregation in so-called Chinatowns, and violence from European-Americans.
"Mountain of Gold" also highlights discriminatory practices by state and federal governments, such as the Foreign Miners' Tax in California, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and subsequent legislation like the Geary Act. The book discusses the challenges Chinese communities faced during the Exclusion Era, including the clustering of Chinese neighborhoods and the perpetuation of stereotypes, such as opium dens and prostitution.
Ultimately, Betty Lee Sung's work serves as a historical account and a call for understanding, shedding light on the struggles, contributions, and resilience of Chinese Americans throughout their history in the United States.
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