In 1933, to construct Los Angeles’ now famous Union Station, a thriving Chinese community of about 3,000 people was displaced. Established in the 1880s, the settlement was comprised of merchants, laborers, farmers, herbalists, and families housed in brick and wooden buildings.  When Chinatown was razed, fill dirt was added to support the train center and level the tracks. The remains of Old Chinatown were sealed 14 feet below the railroad tracks.

In 1987, workers building the Los Angeles Metro Rail discovered the long entombed Chinatown. Archaeologists were brought in to preserve and protect the cultural resources. The excavations uncovered unprecedented numbers and densities of artifacts, illuminating aspects of lifeways not previously recorded.  

The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California became the guardian of the assemblage; one of the largest collections of Chinese American archaeological artifacts in the country.  Cultural materials in the collection include figurines, jars, bowls, ivory toothbrushes, teapots, jewelry, toys, imported and domestic glass containers, cooking vessels and ceramic items. Displayed here is an assortment of artifacts excavated from old Los Angeles Chinatown dated from 1880 to 1933.