Empire Mine Historic State Park
Empire Mine Historic State Park
Attractions in Nevada County
The Empire Mine Historic State Park, is the site of one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California. The park is in Grass Valley at 10791 East Empire Street. In operation for more than 100 years, the mine extracted 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956.
The western part of the county is defined by the course of several rivers and the irregular boundaries of adjoining counties. When the county was created, the founders wanted to include access to the transcontinental railroad, so a rectangular section was added that includes the railroad town of Truckee.
What is remarkable about this is that the final shape of the county closely resembles the Derringer pocket pistol, a favorite at the time of the more urbane residents of this gold rush country.