Description
Over a total of four days in 1983 and 1984, surface collections were made at the Donner Summit site by archaeologist Julia
Costello and her husband Jeff Tuttle. This work camp, occupied between 1865 and 1869 by
Chinese construction workers on the transcontinental railroad, was located using historic accounts, maps, and surface survey. In
general, only
Chinese artifacts were collected while Euro/American ceramics, glass, and metal were left in place.
Background
Julia Costello, Ph.D, is an archaeologist and co-owner of Foothill Resources, a historical consulting firm located in Calaveras
County that works on projects throughout California. Specializing in the historic period, she has researched and published
works on the Spanish Missions, mining sites, ninteenth-century life, and immigrant groups including
Chinese, Italians, and Japanese. She served as Member and Chair of the California State Historical Resources Commmission, and on
the boards of several national, state, and local history organizations.
Extent
1.04 Linear Feet
1 Bankers Box
Availability
This collection is open to researchers and for public access. Please contact the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
for more information.