G R A S S
V A L L E Y
GRASS VALLEY
HISTORY, EMPIRE MINE, MUSEUMS
/
M U S E U M S
is said that millions of dollars in gold still
remain, and who knows, there might come
a time when the now silent mines reopen.
Museums
NORTH STAR MINING MUSEUM: Mill Street &
McCourtney Road. One of the finest collections of hardrock mining equipment and
artifacts in United States, including a giant
Pelton Wheel. Open May 1 - Oct 31,
Tue–Sat, 10 am–4 pm, Sun, 12 pm–4 pm.
Winter: Nov 1–Apr 30 by appointment.
(530) 273-4255; nevadacountyhistory.org
GRASS VALLEY MUSEUM: 410 S. Church St.
Part of St. Joseph’s Cultural Center. See how
life was lived from Gold Rush days to 1930.
Museum is open April 15–December 15,
Wednesday–Saturday 12:30 pm–3:30 pm or
by appointment. (530) 273-5509; Free.
saintjosephsculturalcenter.org
Empire Mine, Bourn Cottage
WAYDE CARROLL
I
T IS SAID THAT THE FIRST SETTLERS in the
Grass Valley area were from Oregon and
came in 1848 after hearing that gold had
been discovered in California. Soon the
“rush” was on. By 1850, gold had been
discovered in quartz, and the town grew in
a matter of months from 20 cabins to
150 buildings.
In 1855, the population rose to 3,500,
but that was also the year of a devastating
fire that destroyed virtually all the business
district. Another setback came when early
mining success was followed by failure as
easily accessible gold became difficult to
find. However, in the 1860s techniques had
improved and an extremely profitable
hardrock or underground mining industry
was established.
Closure of the mines during World War II,
the fixed price of gold at $35 an ounce and
labor disputes all contributed to the end of
mining in Grass Valley during the 1950s. It
H I S TO RY
North Star Mining Museum
Empire Mine
State Historic Park
Located five minutes from Grass Valley just off Hwy. 174
(take East Empire Street), it was the oldest, richest
hardrock gold mine in California producing more than 8
billion dollars in gold by today’s standards. Now it is one of
the area’s most popular attractions. Visitors to the park will
find restored buildings, exhibits, an illuminated mine shaft
and Bourne Cottage with its lovely gardens. Cottage,
Mine Yard, Cottage Living History and Garden Highlights
Tours are available throughout the year. See website for
schedules. Open daily 10:00 am–5:00 pm.
(530) 273-8522; empiremine.org
ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
앴앵
Living History & Tours:
Weekends through
September 27.
Holiday
Open House:
November 25–26.
Annual Miner’s Picnic:
August 27,
11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Mother’s Day
Springtime Event:
Call to check 2017 date.
N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m
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