CHARLES CROCKER

Crocker’s railroad was way behind schedule for laying of track. The problem was an acute shortage of manpower. Someone suggested that they try Chinese labor. However Crocker’s superintendent of construction, James Strobridge, felt that they were too small, not strong enough, and inexperienced at construction. Soon Crocker had 11,000 Chinese workers. The Chinese were wonderful construction workers and the Southern Pacific Railroad thrived as other employers also began using Chinese workers.

Crocker’s railroad was way behind schedule for laying of track. The problem was an acute shortage of manpower. Someone suggested that they try Chinese labor. However Crocker’s superintendent of construction, James Strobridge, felt that they were too small, not strong enough, and inexperienced at construction. Soon Crocker had 11,000 Chinese workers. The Chinese were wonderful construction workers and the Southern Pacific Railroad thrived as other employers also began using Chinese workers.