As the Americans began to establish themselves as a world trading participant their goals of equality to the ‘most favored nations’ had them look towards China. In order for them to ascertain a presence in China they required a place that could act as a foothold for their position in China. By 1820 that foothold was the Portuguese colony of Macao. While Macao is the most significant port city to the Americans’ establishment of trade in China, surprisingly little has been written about the relationships and networks that Americans were able to build in order for Macao to function as their foothold. This study observes the relationships that the Americans formed in Macao from before the establishment of the American Consulate in 1849 to the end of it in 1869. Before the American Consulate was established the Americans were low in number and highly dependent on foreign assistance, but as the population and political influence grew, so did their interdependence on their own expatriates. After the Consulate was founded, the dispatches and letters from missionaries, merchants, and diplomats alike, displayed how they were able to maintain and expand their American community through their family, business, and social relationships with one another. By observing the three groups of merchants, missionaries, and diplomats, the importance of Macao to the American community throughout the Pearl River delta region is displayed. Macao was their home while abroad and as the years passed the primary sources showed a remarkable perseverance and the importance of Macao to the wellbeing of Americans in China. This study discovered the American identity in China was best shown through the relationships they created among one another and developed networks that held their goals and patriotism together.