HISTORY , EMPIRE MINE , MUSEUMS
Museums
Empire Mine State Historic Park
G R A S S V A L L E Y
HISTORY , EMPIRE MINE , MUSEUMS
GRASS VALLEY
H I S T O R Y S I T E S
CALIFORNIA ’ S GOLD MINERS typically came from the east and midwest , but upon hearing that gold had been discovered , a group from Oregon made their way to the area that would become Grass Valley and the rush was on .
Mining for free gold in creeks and gravel was the norm until 1850 when gold was discovered in quartz . Within a matter of months , the town grew from 20 cabins to 150 buildings .
By 1855 , the population rose to 3,500 . That year a devastating fire destroyed virtually all of the business district . Another setback came when easily accessible gold became difficult to find . However in the 1860s , techniques had improved and extremely profitable hardrock or underground mines were established .
The mines helped Grass Valley continue to prosper during the Great Depression , but mining came to an end in the 1950s . Closure of the mines during World War II , the low fixed price of gold and labor disputes were all contributing factors .
Museums
North Star Mining Museum
NORTH STAR MINING MUSEUM : McCourtney & Allison Ranch Roads . One of the finest collections of hardrock mining equipment and artifacts in United States , including a giant Pelton Wheel and outdoor exhibits . Open May 1 – October 31 , Tuesday – Saturday , 10:00 am – 4:00 pm & Sunday , 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm . ( 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 . Turn-of-the-century doctor ’ s office , Victorian bedroom , classroom . Open April 15 – December 15 , Wednesday – Saturday , 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm . ( 530 ) 273-5509 ; saintjosephsculturalcenter . org
SANDY REMOLIF
History of Mine Page 125 must Do !
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Located five minutes from downtown Grass Valley just off Hwy . 174 ( take East Empire Street ), it was the oldest and one of the richest hardrock gold mines in California . 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 . Guided tours are available throughout the year . See website for schedules . Open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm . Closed Thanksgiving , Christmas and New Year ’ s Day . ( 530 ) 273-8522 ; empiremine . org
E m p i r E m i n E E v E n t s
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Living History : Weekends through September |
Holiday Open House : November 24 – 25 |
RICHARD BANNISTER |
Miners Picnic |
121st Miners Picnic : August 26 11:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Mother ’ s Day Event : May 13 , 2018 11:00 am – 4:00 pm |
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NEVADACOUNTYGOLD . com 25 |