Ghosts of Gold Mountain

The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad

By: Gordon H. Chang

Narrated by: David Shih

A groundbreaking, breathtaking history of the Chinese workers who built the Transcontinental Railroad, helping to forge modern America only to disappear into the shadows of history until now.

From across the sea, they came by the thousands, escaping war and poverty in southern China to seek their fortunes in America. Converging on the enormous western worksite of the Transcontinental Railroad, the migrants spent years dynamiting tunnels through the snow-packed cliffs of the Sierra Nevada and laying tracks across the burning Utah desert. Their sweat and blood fueled the ascent of an interlinked, industrial United States. But those of them who survived this perilous effort would suffer a different kind of death - a historical one, as they were pushed first to the margins of American life and then to the fringes of public memory. 

In this groundbreaking account, award-winning scholar Gordon H. Chang draws on unprecedented research to recover the Chinese railroad workers' stories and celebrate their role in remaking America. An invaluable correction of a great historical injustice, The Ghosts of Gold Mountain returns these "silent spikes" to their rightful place in our national saga.

©2019 Gordon H. Chang (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Fascinating history of the Chinese rail workers

I enjoyed this story very much! The writer gives a colorful account of early Chinese immigrants who built the rail road between Sacramento and Utah. The narrator had an annoying and frequent habit of making awkward pauses to emphasize quotes, translations or descriptions.

Great Piece of US History

Well researched and well told story of the Chinese workers who built the transcontinental railroad. Sadly not well known and never honored for their heroic efforts, this book shines some light on who these men were.

Dive in to the US history of the internal rail

I saw this book at the Golden Spike national historic monument. And decided to dive in. I’m glad I did, I learned a lot. And gained a perspective of things that are as well discussed.

Amazing History!

This was a very good book. I didn't know about the Chinese immigrants part when building the railroad. It was engaging and entertaining. Great research!

Very inspiring, educational, and enlightening!

We had no idea the details, sacrifice, and intensity of the involvement of these Men towards the advancement of our nation connecting the East to the West. Their dedication to the traditions of how their culture defines them has greatly impacted our history. We cannot believe their dedication under the intensity of such suffering and ungrateful treatment. This story starts out slowly. Stick with it as it begins to unfold an incredible story that you will truly appreciate.