On September 2, 1885, a fight breaks out at a coal mine in Rock Springs, in the high desert of Wyoming Territory, after white miners — angry that Chinese miners get access to a richer coal seam — beat two Chinese workers, killing one with a pick.

Instead of returning to work, about 150 white miners gather arms and march on the Rock Springs Chinatown. They shoot fleeing residents, loot homes, and burn it all down. They execute Chinese people with exceptional cruelty.

By nightfall, at least 28 Chinese miners are dead, 15 wounded, and hundreds driven into the hills.

A week later, federal troops escort some survivors back to work. The mining company fires 45 white miners involved — but no one is criminally convicted.

Mining activity chokes off the spring that is the town’s namesake.