Empire Mine
State Historic Park
 
It is only $1.00 to enter into this 784 acre state park.  You can spend the whole day exploring, going back in history, seeing the mining relics, and learning about the story of California's Hard Rock Mining, and it's significance in California's history.
 
In October of 1850, a lumber man named George Roberts found some gold, where the parking lot to the Empire Mine Park is now.  Hundreds of miners flocked to the area to stake out 30' by 40' placer claims. The work was hard, and very dangerous (as most of the shafts resembled water wells, instead of mines), cave-ins were frequent and many became discouraged and sold their claims.  The ownerships shifted many hands.  Soon the main ownership shifted to William Bourn, and he and his family eventually made it into a money making venture.
 
The greatest contributing factor to the success of Nevada County's hardrock mining,  came from the influx of folks from Cornwall, England, where copper and tin mining had been going on for over a 1,000 years. These Cornishmen brought experience, and the latest technological advances in hard rock mining.  They made it happen!
 
 During its run, the mine took out approximately 5.8 million ounces of gold, and there was about 400 miles of underground passages dug to get the gold out.
 
George Starr, cousin to William Bourn, Jr, also worked and lived at the mine.  The mines owners loved to entertain, and many famous people came and enjoyed a stay at their "Clubhouse".  Probably the most famous of these was President Herbert Hoover.  The facilities included: a ballroom, billiards room, bar, squash court, bowling alley, tennis courts, and of course room for croquet and badminton.  Most of this elegant estate is still there, and you can go back in time as you sit in the rose garden,
 
You really should go to see this State Park when you are in Nevada County.  They have a very informative tour that you will enjoy.  Plan on spending the day there, do some hiking and get ready to explore the vast richness of history that the Empire Mine State Park has to offer you.
 
Below are a few pictures for you to get a feel.
 
THE PARK IS LOCATED AT:
10791 E. EMPIRE ST
GRASS VALLEY, CA  95945
(530) 273-8522
 

ENTRANCE TO PARK

HISTORICAL PHOTO

HISTORICAL PHOTO

HISTORICAL PHOTO - CARTS OF ORE

MULES WORKED AS HARD AS THE MEN.

THESE GUYS ARE GETTING READY TO GO DOWN  FOR A NICE LONG  DAY OF WORK IN THE MINE

THERE ARE LOTS OF MINING EQUIPTMENT RELICS TO SEE - MOST WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF USE

A PELTON WHEEL

MINING ORE CARTS

ONE OF THE MANAGER'S OFFICE

THE OWNER'S HOME

FRONT VIEW

WALKWAY THROUGH THE GARDEN

PARKLIKE SETTING BY OWNERS HOME

POND IN GARDEN

ANOTHER GARDEN SCENE

VIEW OF HOME

START OF HIKING TRAILS - THERE ARE MILES OF TRAILS, MAKE SURE YOU GET A MAP BEFORE TAKING OFF, AND ASK ONE OF THE HELP-FULL PARK RANGERS IF YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE.

 
 

NEVADA COUNTY LINKS