Exchange Database

First Chinese Arrived in the United States

Three Chinese sailors arrived in Baltimore, where they were stranded on shore by the trading ship that brought them there from Guangzhou.
Outcomes: 
Captain John O’Donnell, who owned the ship, had neglected to tell the three Chinese and thirty two lascars (sailors recruited from Yemen in the Middle East, Gujarat, Assam, and Bengal, now states in India and Bangladesh) that this was his last voyage before his marriage and retirement leaving them all stranded. The three Chinese petitioned the Continental Congress for the money to return home but it is unknown what happened to them and the lascars.
Contact Info: 
U.S. Department of State and Chinese American Heroes
Source: 

https://history.state.gov/countries/issues/china-us-relations

http://www.chineseamericanheroes.org/history/The%20Chinese%20in%20Americ...

Government?: 
No
Type of Exchange: 
civic
Partners: 
United States and Chinese Governments
Participants (Types): 
Chinese sailors
Number of Participants: 
3
Exchange Date: 
Tuesday, August 9, 1785
Continuing: 
No
Location: 
Baltimore, Maryland
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Polls show Americans and Chinese are becoming less trustful of each other’s country. The Commission assesses the problem and offers recommendations to foster greater U.S.-China collaboration and understanding.

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