Ep 2. Death on the Railroad

In the second episode of Secrets of the Dead season 12, viewers are taken on a historical journey through time to look closer at an infamous event in American history – the Chinese Massacre of 1871.

Death on the Railroad explores this tragic event and its significance in American history. During the mid to late 1800s, Chinese immigrants were brought to America to work on the railroads. These laborers played a crucial role in building America's infrastructure, and yet, they were treated as second-class citizens. Despite their contributions, they faced harsh working conditions, racism, and discrimination.

The Chinese Massacre of 1871 was one of the deadliest attacks against Chinese immigrants in American history. On October 24th, a mob of nearly 500 people stormed into the Chinese neighborhood in Los Angeles and carried out a brutal attack on the inhabitants. The attack resulted in at least 18 Chinese immigrants being brutally murdered.

At the time, the massacre was largely ignored by the media and government. However, Death on the Railroad sheds light on this overlooked event and examines its impact on American society.

The episode includes interviews with historians, experts, and descendants of both the perpetrators and victims. Through their perspectives, viewers gain insight into the motivations behind the attack and the consequences that followed.

The experts explain how the California gold rush of 1849 led to an influx of Chinese immigrants in America. Many of these immigrants were lured to America with the promise of new opportunities, but they were soon met with harsh working conditions and racism.

During this time, white laborers saw the Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and livelihood. They believed they were taking jobs that should belong to white men. This racism and resentment eventually boiled over, leading to the Chinese Massacre of 1871.

The episode also examines the aftermath of the massacre. The government largely ignored the event, and no one was held accountable for the deaths of these innocent people. This lack of justice further perpetuated the discrimination and racism that the Chinese immigrants faced.

Death on the Railroad is an eye-opening episode that sheds light on an overlooked event in American history. Through historical accounts and personal stories, viewers gain a better understanding of the racism and discrimination that Chinese immigrants faced during the 1800s. It highlights the importance of learning from history and working towards a more equitable future.