Audiotour Chinese Merchants of Mill and Main Streets

Before we dive into the history of this site, I want to share a special dedication. This tour is dedicated to the Nevada County Library. A vital collaborative partner in our mission. We share a deep commitment to history, literacy, and community connection. Each year, the library and the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools present Nevada County Reads an initiative designed to deepen our engagement with literature and history through shared reading and discussion. Supported, in part, by friends of the Nevada County Library, this project invites everyone to read, share perspectives, and build a stronger community together.

It is in that same spirit of discovery that we begin our walk today. The Chinese Merchants of Mill and Main Street is a relatively short tour. If you would like to learn more, there are two other tours in Grass Valley that cover the history of Chinatown and the individuals who lived and worked here. Nevada City also has a tour of its Chinese Quarter, if you would like to check that out.

Many Chinatowns sprung up around the Gold Rush and after. However, Grass Valley's Chinatown lasted the longest. The Gold Miner's Inn now sits right on top of what was the heart of our Chinese community. Today we will weave through that area that once was the heart of Chinatown and down Mill and Main streets to learn of many Chinese businesses and their merchants.

Now a little bit about your tour hosts and some pre-tour prep. My name is Rose Murphy and I'm a biographer for the Grass Valley Museum. I am Lisa Redfern. I'm on the Board of Sierra College Press. Rose and I, we're both members of the Nevada County Historical Society and historical fiction authors.

Before starting all of our tours, we recommend downloading it at home first or in a place with good internet. All of our walking tours are geo-fenced. This means when your phone with GPS maps and satellites can track your movements. When your Izi tour app is open when you walk inside that zone, it should trigger the audio to start playing automatically.

Each tour stop contains an audio file, a transcript, and pictures. Click on the title of the stop. Each stop will have a few photos to view.

As you begin this journey, we want to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and fellow walking tourists. Please remember to use earbuds for your audio tour and avoid using speakers.

On the final tour, stop. Check out the PDF that provides links to resources, articles, books, videos, and more. If you are ready, let's go!