Empire City, Kansas – A Living Ghost Town
In the southeastern corner of Kansas, a whisper of the past lingers, a testament to the fleeting nature of boomtown dreams. Just a stone’s throw north of Galena, nestled on the far side of the meandering Short Creek, lies the site of what was once the bustling Empire City, Kansas. Today, it exists as a living ghost town, a place where echoes of ambition, rivalry, and rapid growth resonate amidst the quietude of a bygone era.
The story of Empire City begins in the spring of 1877, spurred by the discovery of lead deposits that ignited a feverish rush to the area. The West Joplin Lead & Zinc Company, recognizing the potential, purchased 120 acres of land, formerly belonging to J. Nichols, and an additional 580 acres to facilitate mining operations and establish what they envisioned as a prosperous "company town." The initial layout of the townsite in the spring of 1877 marked the beginning of a bold venture, with 200 lots quickly sold in May, signaling the immediate construction boom that would characterize Empire City’s early days.
The burgeoning town quickly took shape, fueled by the same fervent excitement that had transformed Galena. News of mineral wealth drew a massive influx of prospectors, entrepreneurs, and fortune seekers, all eager to stake their claim in this newfound El Dorado. This surge in population led to an astonishingly rapid pace of development. Buildings sprang up seemingly overnight, with long rows of houses and commercial blocks rising simultaneously, creating a chaotic yet vibrant landscape.
Within weeks, Empire City was incorporated in June 1877, and a post office soon followed in July. By the end of that summer, the town already boasted an estimated population of 3,000 residents, a testament to the sheer speed of its growth. The town was a vision of opportunity and ambition.
This explosive growth did not go unnoticed. The Topeka Daily Commonwealth newspaper, observing the scene, described the town as "such a motley collection of houses, men, and women… The town looked as though volcanic convulsions had heaved it up. Houses had been erected with no regard to architectural beauty, the regularity of line, or locality. The streets are as crooked as illicit distilleries; from morning to night, they are filled with people and teams. Saloons and gambling houses are the most frequent objects. Gambling quarters are in such great demand that several members of the profession are compelled to conduct their operations in the open streets." This vivid portrayal paints a picture of a town driven by raw ambition, where the pursuit of fortune overshadowed any semblance of order or planning.
Empire City quickly became known for its vibrant, though often unruly, atmosphere. The main thoroughfare, aptly named "Red Hot Street," became infamous for its concentration of saloons, gambling halls, and brothels. The Kansas City Star commented that "The principal thoroughfare was known as Red Hot Street. It became so true to the name that all legitimate businesses withdrew and left the street to saloons, gamblers, and dance halls. For several months the orgies that held sway on Red Hot Street were perhaps never exceeded in any other frontier mining camp." This description highlights the lawless and often dangerous environment that thrived alongside the economic boom.
A fierce rivalry quickly developed between Empire City and its neighbor, Galena. Both towns competed for dominance, each striving to outpace the other in terms of population, business, and influence. However, Galena held a natural advantage, as the richest lead deposits were discovered beneath and near the town. This realization marked a turning point, as Galena began to pull ahead, causing considerable consternation in Empire City, which desperately sought to reverse the tide.
The intense competition between the two towns led to frequent clashes and a general atmosphere of unrest. Maintaining order became a significant challenge for law enforcement, as tensions often flared into open conflict.
One particularly dramatic episode occurred when Empire City attempted to prevent its residents from migrating to Galena by constructing a stockade. On July 25, 1877, the city council of Empire City passed a resolution ordering the construction of an eight-foot-high stockade, stretching half a mile along the southern edge of the city. The intention was to block all communication between the two cities and impede public travel by enclosing the southern end of Columbus Street and the bridge over Short Creek.
The construction of the stockade sparked outrage in Galena. Residents protested vehemently, petitioning the city government, which, in turn, appealed to the U.S. Government to prevent the obstruction of a public highway used for mail delivery.
As the stockade neared completion, and with federal intervention seemingly too slow, the Mayor of Galena, acting under the authority of the city council, organized a posse of 50 citizens to dismantle the barrier. On August 15, 1877, at 4:00 a.m., the posse launched a surprise attack, tearing down and burning a significant portion of the wall. Caught off guard, Empire City was unprepared to defend the stockade, resulting in only a brief exchange of gunfire and minimal casualties.
Despite the animosity and illicit activities, Empire City continued to develop. Most businesses were concentrated along Columbus Street, the town’s main commercial artery. The Mining Echo newspaper was established in the fall of 1877, providing a local voice for the community, although it ceased publication after only three years. The first school opened in the winter of 1877-78, and a permanent schoolhouse, a one-story frame building with three rooms, was constructed in 1879. Religious life also took root, with the establishment of Presbyterian and Catholic congregations. The Presbyterians built a small frame church in 1879, while the Catholic Church was constructed in 1881.
By the early 1880s, the population of Empire City had stabilized at just over 1,000, and the school served more than 300 students, indicating a degree of stability and community development.
However, the fortunes of Empire City began to decline by the late 1880s. The town’s post office closed in June 1886, although it reopened the following March. By the end of the 19th century, the ore deposits were becoming depleted, leading to a decline in mining activity and a corresponding decrease in population.
Eventually, the long-standing dispute between Galena and Empire City was taken to the courts. After a protracted legal battle, a truce was declared, and the two cities began to cooperate in an effort to build one of the world’s premier mining districts.
On July 9, 1907, Empire City surrendered its rights as an incorporated city to Galena. The annexation was met with widespread celebration, as residents of both settlements recognized the benefits of unification. Citizens even took pieces of the old stockade as souvenirs, marking the end of an era. In 1910, Empire City was officially annexed into Galena as its Fifth Ward.
The town’s post office, a symbol of its independent existence, closed its doors permanently in October 1913.
Today, Empire City no longer exists as a distinct entity. While numerous homes and a few historical buildings remain, they stand as silent reminders of the once-thriving community. The land that was once filled with the clamor of mining operations now lies quiet, a testament to the ephemeral nature of boomtowns and the enduring power of the past.