Dear reader,
To know the story of the United States, you need to know Asian American history. This really sunk in for me while researching the background of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM): Did you know that Asians were living in the United States before the Revolutionary War, or that one of the reasons why we celebrate APAHM in May is to commemorate the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the USA—which had contributions from 10,000 Chinese workers?
Throughout the country, you can find examples of Asian American history. Just travel along Route 66—that’s what artist Sammy Yuen did for the creation of his exhibition Shared Lines: The AAPI Experience on Route 66, which is one of the most exciting Asian American–focused exhibitions happening this spring. His collection of line drawings range from a water tower in Kingman, Arizona, to the Illinois State Capitol, showcasing the often unlikely places tied to Asian American history.
Or visit the nation’s Chinatowns, Japantowns, and Koreatowns for distinct neighborhoods sharing the Asian American story. The Chinatowns of Manhattan and San Francisco are well-loved examples of the immigrant experience, but there are plenty of enclaves you might not know about—read Rachel Chang’s piece on lesser-known U.S. Chinatowns and learn about the incredible food and culture of Asian communities in such cities as Houston, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Speaking of incredible food—dig into author Pier Nirandara’s “Finding a True Thai Night Market—in Hollywood” to learn about the “extraordinarily colorful and chaotic” at Siam Thai night market in Los Angeles. Located by the star-studded Hollywood Boulevard, the 2023-opened night market reveals the best of what Asian American places can be: “a community space, a small-businesses incubator, and a bulwark against cultural erosion,” as Nirandara observes.
Wherever you go in the United States, chances are you’ll encounter Asian American history. I hope you spend some time learning (and Afar makes a great starting point) about some of the places Asian American communities have touched to make the country an extraordinarily colorful place.
Safe travels,
Chloe Arrojado
Associate editor, destinations
