The Rock Springs Massacre occurred on September 2, 1885, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, when white coal miners attacked their Chinese counterparts, killing at least 28, injuring 15, and driving hundreds out of town while burning their homes in Chinatown. The proposal to designate this site as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) involves recognizing its historical significance on a national level, which could have several impacts. Here’s an analysis of the potential effects based on historical context, current trends in historic preservation, and the broader implications of such a designation.

Preservation and Recognition

Designating the Rock Springs Massacre site as an NHL would formally acknowledge it as a place of national historical importance. NHL status, managed by the National Park Service, is reserved for sites that have exceptional value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. This would ensure the site’s preservation, protecting any remaining physical remnants—such as the location of the former Chinatown along Bitter Creek or the area where Camp Pilot Butte was established by U.S. troops to prevent further violence—from development or neglect. While little of the original 1885 settlement may remain due to the destruction and subsequent growth of Rock Springs, the designation could focus on a specific area, like the Camp Pilot Butte historic district (already listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973), or expand to include other massacre-related locations.

The impact here would be a commitment to maintaining the site’s integrity for future generations, potentially involving federal funding or technical assistance for preservation efforts. It could also elevate the site’s visibility, drawing attention to an often-overlooked episode of anti-Chinese violence in American history.

Education and Awareness

An NHL designation would likely increase public awareness of the massacre and its broader context within the history of racial violence and labor struggles in the American West. The event reflects tensions over immigration, economic competition, and the role of corporations like the Union Pacific Railroad, which exploited Chinese labor to suppress wages and break strikes. Educational initiatives—such as interpretive signage, visitor centers, or partnerships with local museums like the Rock Springs Historical Museum—could emerge, offering a deeper understanding of these dynamics.

This could shift local and national narratives, encouraging a reckoning with the country’s history of anti-Asian racism, especially given that the massacre triggered similar violence elsewhere, like in Washington Territory. However, it might also spark debate about how the story is told, particularly if economic factors (e.g., labor disputes) are emphasized over racial prejudice, as some historians have controversially suggested. Public reaction could range from pride in confronting the past to discomfort among those who prefer a less critical view of local history.

Economic and Tourism Effects

Rock Springs, a city of about 23,000 today, relies heavily on energy industries like coal, oil, and gas. An NHL designation could diversify its economy by boosting heritage tourism. Visitors drawn to historical sites might increase revenue for local businesses, especially if the site is developed with amenities like trails or exhibits. Wyoming’s existing tourism draw—think Yellowstone and Grand Teton—could complement this, positioning Rock Springs as a stop for those interested in cultural history alongside natural wonders.

However, the economic impact might be modest unless paired with significant investment. The site’s remote location and lack of dramatic physical remains (unlike, say, a preserved battlefield) could limit its appeal compared to more visually striking landmarks. Development costs—potentially borne by federal, state, or private entities—would need to balance with the expected return, and any shift in land use might face resistance from industries or property owners if it restricts economic activity.

Community and Cultural Impact

Locally, the designation could foster a sense of identity tied to historical reflection, especially in a city nicknamed the “Home of 56 Nationalities” due to its immigrant past. Events like International Day, which celebrates Rock Springs’ diversity, might gain deeper resonance. Yet, it could also stir tension if residents feel the focus on a violent episode paints their community negatively or if it reignites old debates about race and labor.

Nationally, it would align with growing efforts to recognize sites of racial injustice, like the Tulsa Race Massacre site’s push for similar status. It could amplify Asian American voices, particularly in Wyoming, where Asians make up just 1.1% of the population today, and encourage dialogue about immigration and inclusion. Critics might argue it politicizes history, but supporters would see it as a step toward truth and reconciliation.

Challenges and Considerations

The process isn’t simple. NHL designation requires rigorous documentation and approval, assessing the site’s national significance and integrity. Some historians might question whether the Rock Springs site stands out enough compared to other anti-Chinese violence sites, like Hells Canyon, Oregon (1887), though its scale and aftermath arguably make a strong case. Local support—or opposition—could sway the outcome, as could funding availability for maintenance.

In summary, making the Rock Springs Massacre site an NHL would preserve a dark chapter of American history, boost education and tourism, and potentially reshape community identity, though with modest economic gains and possible social friction. It would signal a national commitment to grappling with the past, but its success would hinge on execution—how the story is told, who tells it, and whether the site can resonate beyond its historical footprint.