According to literature, the Empire Mine is “one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California.” Between 1850 and its closure in 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold, extracted from 367 miles of underground passages. At today’s prices, that is $8.6 billion worth of gold.
Today, the grounds have become a California State Historical Park. Since I grew up in a mining family, and both of us have an interest in western U.S. history, the grounds and tour of the mine area were an instant attraction to us.
The location includes the owner’s 1897 “cottage.” Built of leftover rock from the mine, and with an interior decked out in clear heart redwood, the house featured electric lights, powered from the mine’s electric system.
As fans of the Poldark TV series, we were fascinated to learn that almost all of the miners immigrated from Cornwall in the UK. As mines there played out and their region was in economic collapse, the miners emigrated to the US, bringing with them hundreds of years of underground mining expertise, a strong work ethic, and a new item needed here, the Cornish mine pump, necessary to clear water which was constantly flowing into the mine. At one point, 75% of Grass Valley area residents were of Cornish descent!
The pictures below show the cottage, the beautifully landscaped grounds, and highlights from the mine tour.
The sun-bleached machinery is one of the first things you see, but the park is much more than this. 
The 122-year old Bourn “Cottage” is striking, and in a beautiful setting. 
Elaborate walkways lead to the greenhouse and gardens. 
And the remaining area is breathtaking. 
It was a relaxed, “take pictures and smile” day. 
Miners mounted this sled-like device for the 3000 foot descent into the mine each day. 
From this platform inside the mine the guide explains details of the operation. 
Here is the main shaft from the platform. Beyond this, the shaft is filled with water. 
Remote from any urban center, the mine was forced to forge and repair its own implements, as demonstrated by this volunteer. 
This is not from the mine, but I had to add this scene from the pond adjoining our campground. Beautiful, huh?
