022-23_GV_ThingsToDo_Museums2015_022-23_GV_ThingsToDo_Museums_15 5/22/15 11:50 AM Page 22
G R A S S
V A L L E Y
HISTORY, EMPIRE MINE, MUSEUMS
MARY ANNE DAVIS
I
E
v
E
n
t
s
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, a devastating fire destroyed virtually all the
business district. One bright light was provided by
Alonzo Delano, the Wells Fargo agent. Seen pulling a
shanty down the street, he placed it by the company’s
brick vault still standing in the ruins and opened for
business amid the warm ashes.
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.
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–October 31, except Monday. (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. Open mid-April–midDecember, Wednesday–Saturday. (530) 272-4725;
saintjosephsculturalcenter.org
MustDo!
Ȥȥ
Empire Mine, Bourn Cottage
Grass Valley
Museum
PHOTOS BY WAYDE CARROLL
Mine Living
History Days:
Call for dates.
Annual
Miner’s Picnic:
August 29.
Holiday
Open House:
November
27 & 28.
Mother’s Day
Springtime
Event:
Call to check
2016 date.
22 N E V A D A
COUNTY
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 Bourn
Cottage with its lovely gardens. Tours are available throughout the year. Open daily 10:00
am–5:00 pm. (530) 273-8522; empiremine.org
GOLD