Archaeology of a Chinese Community with Christopher Merritt

The Extreme History Project: The Dirt on the Past

Join us as we talk with Utah State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) with the Utah Division of State History, Christopher Merritt, about his work as a SHPO and his interest in historic Chinese communities in the West. We talk specifically about a ghost town called Terrace, UT. Terrace was once a bustling town located along the transcontinental railroad, but has long since been dismantled and abandoned. The only evidence that remains are scattered bricks, glass and porcelain shards where buildings once stood. Terrace grew to about 1,000 residents at one time and was also the second-largest population of Chinese individuals in Utah (behind Corrine). In 2020 and 2021, archaeology was done at the townsite of Terrace to better understand the individuals that once called this place home, including the historic Chinese community. Chris talks with us about this archaeological excavation and what was learned from the artifacts and structures left behind. If you would like to volunteer to help with this project, follow this link. http://www.passportintime.com/available-projects.html.