Archaeologists Unearth Horrific Past of Rock Springs Massacre

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Amid the sagebrush and sandstone cliffs of southern Wyoming, archaeologists are digging into the dark history of Rock Springs, where an ethnic massacre occurred in 1885. A team led by historical archaeologist Laura Ng from Grinnell College excavated a park this July, searching for artifacts related to the massacre of at least 28 Chinese residents during a racial attack that deeply scarred the community.

The excavation took place at the site designated for a memorial commemorating the 140th anniversary of the tragedy, which local officials are planning to erect. State officials had previously recognized the need for further protection of the site due to recent geological subsidence in the area.

On September 2, 1885, white miners in Rock Springs launched a brutal attack on their Chinese neighbors following a labor dispute that was rooted in racial tension. The violence left a lasting impact, with records indicating that a mob of disgruntled miners stormed into the Chinese quarter, killing, injuring, and forcing hundreds of residents to flee.

“The excavation is aimed at uncovering any potential artifacts that may shed light on this dark chapter in our town’s history,” Ng explained, as she and her team meticulously sifted through layers of soil, hoping to find remnants of Chinese settlements long demolished.

Over the span of two weeks, the group unearthed some intriguing finds, including remnants of structures believed to be linked to the Chinese community. Among the discoveries was a charred layer of soil signifying a possible burn site, thought to be connected to the violence that occurred during the riot.

The excavation team, which included archeologist Dudley Gardner, an authority on the Rock Springs Chinese community, faced challenges connected to the historical sensitivity of the site. Gardner has spent over four decades studying the aftermath of the massacre, often confronting local reluctance to revisit its painful past.

“There are still people in the community whose relatives were involved, whether as victims or participants in the violence,” Gardner noted. “Digging into this history can be uncomfortable.”

Though initial findings were sparse, the search took a turn when undergraduate George Matthes came across the long-sought burn layer, a significant discovery that hinted at the violent destruction that occurred. “It felt surreal to be unearthing a part of history that is both tragic and important,” Matthes remarked.

Despite the discoveries, the excavation was ultimately cut short due to funding constraints, forcing the team to conclude their work and protect what they had found. “As archaeologists, here we are digging into painful pasts to understand how we can honor and remember these lost lives moving forward,” Ng said.

The history of Rock Springs is a reminder of a turbulent era in American history, characterized by harsh racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants. In the mid-19th century, the promise of prosperity brought Chinese laborers to the U.S., drawn by opportunities in industries such as mining. However, growing anti-Chinese sentiment led to violent backlashes, culminating in events like the Rock Springs Massacre.

“This excavation is not solely about the artifacts but about acknowledging those who suffered and finding ways to carry their stories forward,” Ng emphasized. Community leaders plan to officially unveil the memorial next year, a step toward healing and reconciliation for Rock Springs, a town still grappling with its past.