Chinaman's Arch: A
Monument in Limestone
Ancient Lake Bonneville once covered this whole area, including
much of Promontory range. It left behind several deposits of
limestone which were then uplifted by faulting. Subsequent
weathering and erosion created the arch which stands today as a
natural memorial to the Chinese who worked for the Central
Pacific Railroad. Its name was most
likely taken from the Chinese work
camps in the area. While the arch
was created by forces of nature,
it testifies to the strength
and durability that the
Chinese workers
demonstrated during their
assault on the Sierras and
throughout the
construction of the Central
Pacific Railroad.
Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Golden Spike National Historical Site in 660 images.