Qing Dyansty Flag Raised In Belleville For Chinese New Year

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The Qing Dyansty flag flew in Belleville during the 1870's and 1880's when Belleville was home to the first Chinatown on the east coast of the United States. And from Feb. 16 to March 2, it will be flying again as the town prepares to welcome the Chinese New Year.

According to a release from the Belleville Historical Society, the first Chinese New Year was celebrated in Belleville in February of 1871, the first school for Chinese immigrants opened later that year in Belleville on September 20. Belleville was home to the only Chinese temple in this part of the country.

The BHS stated:

“For nearly 20 years Chinese immigrants from all over New Jersey, New York and the surrounding regions would travel to Belleville for celebrations and spiritual functions. State and local laws from New York to California strongly discriminated against the Chinese but in Belleville they found welcoming community.”

The Belleville Historical Society will host an exhibit on the town's Chinese-American history at the Belleville Library through March 2.

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Photo: Belleville Historical Society

Caption: Belleville High School students Danny Jiang and Codey Jiang raise the Qing Dynasty flag at Belleville Town Hall.