Massacred For Gold by R. Gregory Nokes

Massacred For Gold by R. Gregory Nokes intertwines enticing descriptions of magnificent views in the Hells Canyon area in Northeastern Oregon and Western Idaho with the tragic murders of Chinese miners and the shocking lack of concern shown by the local population.

Mr. Nokes painstaking research pieces together the story of how such a large number of people could be massacred, and why the known killers were allowed to go free.

The killers were motivated by greed; after all some of them were known rustlers and thieves. What this well-written story also shows us is how lack of knowledge of other races leads to intolerance and injustice, especially when they make no attempt to assimilate into American society; and how the power struggle among the politicians leads to finger-pointing and trying to shift blame to the other party.

This attitude toward the Chinese workers started with the railroads, and continued with the gold mining throughout the West. In many places the shooting of a Chinese worker carried no penalty for the killing itself, but oftentimes there would be a small fine for discharging a firearm in the city limits.

Unlike many history books, “Massacred For Gold” tells a cohesive story and moves along at a nice pace that makes you want to learn more about how the murders of such a large number of people could have happened with hardly anyone outside the Wallowa region knowing about it. It is well worth the read.

Please call the Josephine County Historical Society at (541) 479-7827 if you would like to purchase Massacred For Gold.