The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Last Chinese Town in America
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Oct 14, 2025 Explore the rich history of Locke, California, a remarkable town founded by Chinese immigrants after a devastating fire in 1915. Discover how this unique community became a self-sustaining haven, showcasing the crucial role of Chinese labor in agriculture. Hear personal stories of early entrepreneurs and the vibrant culture during Locke's peak, featuring social clubs and entertainment. Learn about the challenges faced, from legal barriers to economic decline, and see how Locke's legacy remains relevant today as it transforms into a tourist destination.
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Founded From Displacement And Legal Exclusion
- Locke was founded after a 1915 fire destroyed Walnut Grove's Chinatown and displaced hundreds of Chinese residents.
- The new town was a deliberate, self-contained community built on leased land because immigrants could not own farmland under the 1913 Alien Land Law.
A Grandfather Who Ran The Gambling Hall
- Darwin Kan recounts his grandfather's role in Locke as an entrepreneur who ran a gambling hall and grocery store.
- Elders in the community remembered him as both mild-mannered and surprisingly capable in fights.
Dialect Shaped A Separate Town
- Immigrant communities in early 20th-century California were often regionally dialect-specific, shaping settlement patterns.
- Locke's founders came from Zhongshan and intentionally built a separate town rather than join Toisan-speaking Chinatowns.