Starting in 1907, Asian immigrants began moving their businesses into the area around Seattle's King Street. Ethnic enclaves helped reinforce cultural and kinship ties, and provided a sense of security from an often hostile white majority. The Chinese didn't have much choice; restrictive covenants by real estate agents and homeowners prevented Chinese and other Asians from living elsewhere. The neighborhood grew into what is now known as the Chinatown International District, and continues to be a cultural and commercial center for the city's diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
This image was taken facing north east on S. King Street, between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue. The building featured here, the East Kong Yick Building at 719 South King Street, was built in 1910 and since 2005 has been home to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.
Signs in image: Cleno Dye Works; Quong Tuck Co.; Canton Express Co; Wa Chong Co., Importer & Exporter, Tea, Coffee & Rice; Shing Chong & Co., Tea Store; Yan Wo Co., General Merchandise; Canton Alley; Yuen Long Co., Importer & Exporter, Tea & Rice. Webster & Stevens number: 82297
Caption information by: "Chinese Americans," by David Takami, HistoryLink.org Essay 2060 Caption information source: http://pcad.lib.washington.edu/building/5298
