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| Landmark #298 | Nevada County | Visited: July 11, 2015 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | Empire Mine State Historic Park! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: The Empire Mine was originally located by George D. Roberts in October 1850. In the spring of 1854, the Empire Mining Company was incorporated and in 1865 new works, including a 30-stamp mill, were erected. In 1869 Wm. B. Bourn, Sr. purchased the Empire, when he died, Wm. B. Bourn, Jr. took over its management. The Empire was in constant operation from 1850 to the late 1950s.
OTHER TIDBITS: This area was too dry to mine hydraulically, so the Empire Mine got its start as a deep, hard rock mining shaft! It was very efficiently run, using mules to haul the mining carts, but it still took 19 years to turn a profit! That was when William Bourn Sr. took over, but it was under the management of his son, William Bourn Jr. that the Empire Mine really flourished! Junior and his cousin, George Starr, pushed the mining shaft down past 1,700 feet (most of which is underwater today). Junior also arranged for the construction of the Empire Cottage and gardens, which was their family summer home and brought light and beauty into a dark and dirty trade! Fun fact! Junior ordered the construction of another California Historical Landmark: Filoli! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Empire Mine State Historic Park 10791 Empire St 1.2 mi E of Grass Valley, CA 95945 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~443mi (713km) — 7.4hrs |
| When should I go? | The park is normally open seven days a week from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM! |
