In 1917 General John J. Pershing was sent into northern Mexico to eliminate the army of General Francisco "Pancho" Villa. During the Mexican Revolution, General Villa had invaded New Mexico. At the time, hundreds of Chinese lived in this part of Mexico. They settled there after finishing work with the railroad. They hoped to be able to re-enter the United States. When General Pershing went into Mexico, the Chinese helped his army by providing food and supplies. This made General Villa very angry. He swore to hang every "chino" in Chihuahua (chee-WA-wa).
(Staff Note: Map of Northern Mexico with Chihuahua labeled, New Mexico, and Texas)
(Staff Note: Photos 68-2965, 68-2969)
General Pershing left Mexico without destroying General Villa and his army. He asked for permission to bring the Chinese who had helped him into the United States. During the 60 years of Chinese Exclusion Laws, this was the only time the government allowed Chinese laborers into the U.S.
(Staff Note: Photos 68-2966, 68-2967)
On June 7, 1917, over four hundred Chinese arrived in San Antonio by train. They became known as "Pershing’s Chinese." They were given jobs at Fort Sam Houston as laborers, carpenters, cooks, and blacksmiths. They were to help the U.S. Army prepare for World War I. These wards of the army were paid twenty cents an hour. The Chinese became known as very dependable workers.
(Staff Note: Photos 68-2968, 68-2940)
Copyright 1999
The University of Texas
Institute of Texan Cultures
at San Antonio