Wong Fee Lee
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Age
75
Born
1846
Jan 1
Hometown
China
Stories
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Wong Fee Lee, a Chinese immigrant, searched for gold with miners in an 1875 gold rush where they faced rough terrain, fought off bandits and, yes, struck gold. To thank him, the miners gave Wong an equal share in the stakes.
Many Chinese immigrants also came for the gold and although many left, Wong remained. Over the next 43 years, he built a family—including a wife and eight children—a thriving business and became a beloved resident of Deadwood.
In 1902, Wong Fee Lee left America to visit China and was barred reentry due to the Chinese Exclusion Act. Friends and powerful politicians fought for him and he was allowed to return to Deadwood.
Although Wong Fee Lee died in 1921 he’s still remembered for his generosity and devotion to his adopted home.
That was Wong Fee Lee: forever a Deadwood hero and legend.
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Timeline
1876
Arrived in Deadwood Gulch
1902
Left America to visit China and was barred reentry due to the Chinese Exclusion Act.
1919
Suffered a stroke during a meeting of the Society of Black Hills Pioneers. Recovered enough to travel, and returned to his Chinese homeland, where he died two years later.
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