In Lemhi County, the Chinese arrived with the discovery of gold and moved throughout the region as ore deposits were located.  In Salmon City, the Chinese established a small commnity where the Lemhi County Museum now stands, extending north approximately two blocks and west to the banks of the river. The Museum exhibits a number of artifacts from the local Chinese population as well as a collection of photographs.

In 1966, to commemorate the efforts of his mining and ranching ancestors, the Ray Edwards estate donated a collection of Asian artifacts and built the room in which they are exhibited.  Edwards collected the Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan relics during a 1920s tour of Asia.