Empire Mine, Grass Valley, California – Legends of America
Nestled in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, just outside the charming town of Grass Valley, lies the Empire Mine State Historic Park. This isn’t just another park; it’s a journey back in time, an immersive experience into the golden era of California’s mining history. The Empire Mine, one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in the state, stands as a testament to the ambition, innovation, and hard work that shaped the Golden State.
The Genesis of Grass Valley
Before the Empire Mine became a legend, there was Grass Valley. The story begins with wandering cattle, seeking greener pastures away from the Greenhorn Creek campsite. Simultaneously, prospectors were diligently panning for gold along the banks of Wolf Creek. The convergence of these events marked the humble beginnings of what would become a bustling town.
In October 1850, a pivotal moment occurred when George Roberts stumbled upon a hard-rock gold vein embedded in a quartz outcrop on Ophir Hill. This discovery ignited a spark that would soon transform the landscape and economy of the region. Roberts, recognizing the potential but perhaps lacking the resources to fully exploit it, sold his claim in 1851 to Woodbury, Parks, and Company for a mere $350. This marked the beginning of a series of ownership changes that would eventually lead to the mine’s golden age.
Woodbury, Parks, and Company consolidated several local claims into what was known as the Ophir Hill Mine. However, their financial management proved inadequate, leading to the company’s downfall. In 1852, they were forced to sell the business at auction, where John P. Rush and the Empire Quartz Hill Company seized the opportunity and purchased it. This acquisition laid the foundation for what would become the Empire Mine.
As news of the gold discovery spread like wildfire, prospectors from far and wide flocked to the "Grassy Valley." A settlement initially called Boston Ravine sprung up, quickly followed by the construction of several buildings. The name later changed to Centerville before finally settling on Grass Valley, coinciding with the establishment of a post office in 1851. As the mines in the area began to develop, the town evolved into a thriving trading center. The first town election was held in November 1850, and the town was officially incorporated in 1860, solidifying its place on the map.
The Cornish Influence
The booming mining industry attracted skilled laborers from around the world, most notably from Cornwall, England. These Cornish miners, experienced in hard rock mining from their work in the tin and copper mines back home, brought with them invaluable expertise and innovative techniques.
One of their most significant contributions was the Cornish steam engine. This ingenious invention was used to pump water out of the mine, which was constantly seeping in. By removing the water, the miners could access deeper and richer veins of gold, significantly increasing productivity and allowing for further underground expansion. The Cornish steam engine became a symbol of the Empire Mine’s success and a testament to the ingenuity of the Cornish miners.
The Bourn Era
In 1869, William Bowers Bourn, Sr., a San Francisco entrepreneur with a keen eye for opportunity, acquired control of the Empire Mine, establishing the Empire Mines and Investment Company. The Cornish miners continued to form the backbone of the labor force, bringing their skills and traditions to the California goldfields.
William Bourn, Sr. passed away in 1874, and his estate managed the mine for several years. However, in 1878, his son, William Bowers Bourn, Jr., formed the Original Empire Company, taking over the assets of the Empire Mining Company. He demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Ophir vein, even after it had been exhausted at a depth of 1,200 feet and allowed to flood with water. In 1887, Bourn brought on his cousin, George W. Starr, as a managing partner. Starr’s expertise in mining technology proved invaluable, further enhancing the mine’s operations.
Under the Bourns’ leadership, the Empire Mine flourished, and the family’s wealth and influence grew. In 1897, they built the "Cottage," a grand residence constructed from waste rock from the mine. This opulent home served as the Bourns’ summer retreat, complete with sprawling gardens, a greenhouse, elegant fountains, and a serene reflecting pool. Between 1898 and 1905, they added a clubhouse with tennis courts, a bowling alley, and squash courts, creating a luxurious recreational space for the family and their guests.
Expansion and Acquisition
In 1915, Bourn expanded his mining empire by acquiring two nearby mines owned by the Pennsylvania Mining Company and the Work Your Own Diggings Company. This strategic move granted him access to the Pennsylvania vein, further solidifying his control over the region’s gold resources.
The Bourn family retained ownership of the Empire Mine until 1929, when they sold it to the Newmont Mining Company for $250,000. Newmont also purchased the nearby North Star Mine, creating a powerful mining conglomerate. These two mines were renowned as being among the richest in California, and their combined output contributed significantly to the state’s economy.
Decline and Legacy
The Empire Mine continued to operate successfully during the Great Depression, providing much-needed jobs and economic stability to the region. However, in October 1942, the U.S. Government deemed mining a "nonessential industry to the war effort," forcing the mine to shut down until June 1945.
After the war, production costs soared, and a shortage of skilled miners led to the suspension of operations below the 4600 level by 1951. In 1956, a crippling miners’ strike over falling wages brought operations to a complete halt, marking the end of an era for the Empire Mine.
Over its lifetime, the Empire Mine produced an astounding 5.8 million ounces of gold, making it one of the most prosperous mines in North American history. In its final year of operation, the mine had reached an incline depth of 11,007 feet and boasted 367 miles of underground passages, a testament to the sheer scale and complexity of the operation.
A State Historic Park
In 1975, the State of California recognized the historical significance of the Empire Mine and purchased the site, transforming it into the Empire Mine State Historic Park. Today, the park welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors each year, offering a glimpse into the past and preserving the legacy of the Empire Mine for future generations.
The park encompasses more than 850 acres, including forested backcountry, 14 miles of trails, the mine buildings, the "Cottage," clubhouse, and gardens. On weekends from May through October, volunteers dressed in period clothing provide living history tours of the Bourn Cottage and offer demonstrations in the mine yard, bringing the past to life.
The Empire Mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for years to come. It is located at 10791 East Empire Street in Grass Valley, California, and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in California’s gold rush history.
The Empire Mine stands as a powerful reminder of the ambition, innovation, and hard work that shaped California. It is a place where history comes alive, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the miners who toiled underground and imagine the lives of the wealthy owners who reaped the rewards of their labor. A visit to the Empire Mine State Historic Park is an unforgettable experience, a journey back in time to the golden age of California mining.