The Gold Rush lured many Chinese to California. They later migrated to the urban areas during the 1860's and '70's, soon becoming dominant in the work force in the industries of canning, cigars, woolen mills, shoes, sewing, laundries and restaurants. They were a perceived a labor threat by many as they were such hard workers. The Chinese and Asian Americans were often victims of prejudice, even violence and forced relocation in earlier period of California History http://californiaimages.blogspot.com/