A collection of nine CDV (carte de visite) photographs, each featuring a Chinese railway worker. The CDVs are mounted on mats that are characteristic of California-style CDVs, which can be identified by their design and materials. The photographs depict individual workers in various poses, capturing the faces of those who played a crucial role in building the American transcontinental railroad during the 19th century. Chinese laborers were instrumental in the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, a part of the first Transcontinental Railroad in the United States, completed in 1869. Despite facing harsh working conditions, discrimination, and dangerous tasks, they contributed significantly to one of the most important infrastructure projects in American history. These images provide a rare and valuable visual record of these individuals, who are often overlooked in historical narratives. The CDVs show signs of age, including slight discoloration and wear on the edges, which is typical for photographs from this period. The images themselves appear to be well-preserved, with the subjects clearly visible. The oval vignetting of the photographs is a style choice that was popular during the time these images were likely taken.