Kam Wah Chung Company Building, Chinese heritage museum in John Day, Oregon
The Kam Wah Chung Company Building is a well-preserved 19th-century structure that combined a clinic, shop, and living quarters for Chinese merchants and doctors. The seven rooms contain original furnishings, thousands of herbs stored in wooden drawers and glass containers, and personal belongings that document daily life and work.
The building began in 1865 as a supply depot and was transformed in 1887 into a clinic and store run by Ing Hay and Lung On. It became a vital resource for the Chinese population during the gold rush era in eastern Oregon.
This building was the hub of the Chinese community in John Day, serving as a gathering place for merchants and patients alike. The rooms reveal how Chinese immigrants maintained their traditions, language, and trade networks in this remote part of the American West.
The visit is straightforward since all rooms are on one level and the collection is easy to navigate at your own pace. Allow time to examine the medicinal herbs and merchandise closely, especially if you are interested in historical healing practices.
The collection remained untouched for about 20 years after closing in 1948, preserving everything exactly as the owners left it. This undisturbed time capsule contains rare artifacts and original arrangements that have been altered by cleaning or rearrangement in many other museums.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
