Empire Mine: Grass Valley's Gold Bonanza that ran 1850-1957

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

We love Sarah’s subtle sense of humor without even trying haha she makes watching fun while learning history from you.Y’all are a perfect team for sure.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, buddy! She takes a lot of hits so it's nice when somebody has something nice to say! Hope you're enjoying your time in one of the greatest areas of California!

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

@ yes been cutting wood 🪵 all day.I had to come in and sit down I’m beat.

[@swansfan6944]

My dad who passed away 3 years ago now, lost his very good mate in the Appin mine explosion which happened here in Australia in 1979. I was 10 and remember feeling so bad for his wife and little children. So much respect for miners, it’s a hard life. Thanks Jeff and Sarah great video as always. ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@theresataloff6406]

I love history, when Sara is on it’s so much more entertaining she makes me smile and laugh.

[@jbenziggy]

That is so very nice of you to tell us that. I love it when people encourage her because initially she wasn’t real, eager too in my videos on camera. People can be very crass in their comments.

[@karenceja1041]

I agree

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

😊🥰🤗

[@theathjr]

Sara makes me laugh every video. She has a sense of humor that rivals mine. Great video.

[@timgizzi3694]

Just saw your Empire Mine park video. I am a docent at the park. Yes, you can go inside the cottage on tours. I am in charge of alĺ the beautiful attire we wear for special occasions. Someone can also run the small stamp for you. Maybe some day if you return you can have a tour and learn even more. Patricia Gizzi, Empire Mine State Park.

[@eddy2561]

I used to shoot weddings there at the mansion in the 1980's - your video brings back some good memories.

[@bobby-io2rr]

Yes I have been there too Jeff you are knocking these videos out of the park Appreciate you and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Bobby, again. I imagine that everyone who lived in Grass Valley has been to this state park, but it was our first time being lifelong California residents.

[@bobby-io2rr]

@@jbenziggy I am glad you made it there

[@garymckee63]

What a lifespan for a mine. Always enjoy your videos, Jeff . Thanks 👍

[@jbenziggy]

You’re telling me. I can’t believe that it lasted 107 years and probably could produce a lot more gold if the economics penciled out.

[@rodkukura]

You guys are the perfect balance of smart sarcastic humor and showing real history, both love but show in there own way, thanks guys.

[@californiahiker9616]

Having hiked all over California over more than 50 years, you often remind me about how much I actually missed! This was a great episode! I particularly loved the presentation, the music added a nice Western flair. I would like to comment about Sarah’s presence, as did a few other commenters. As a fellow woman I appreciate Sarah‘s perspective. Your dialogue is another way of presenting history, rather than relying on Jeff’s narrative alone. Sarah, you’re a breath of fresh air! I am sure the vast majority of viewers appreciate you being in the videos. Don’t change that, Jeff! I may have mentioned this before, but here I go again. I used to live in your neck of the woods. My husband and I now live in the PNW North of Seattle. Lots to explore here, of course. But one thing missing… no equivalent of Sarah and Jeff! You have such a unique way of presenting history, it’s hard to match! Thanks both of you for all you do!

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

It's very nice to hear that my presence is enjoyed. Thank you! 😊🤗🥰

[@Foxtrot1967]

Not sure if you watched the same video, because all I heard was Sarah huffing and puffing to make it up a few flights of stairs and could not sit in a chair made for a grown man because of her weight problem. She then made a snarky comment about "keeping her desk job", when in reality, it would do her good to get off her fat ass and do actual work like the men and women who ran this mine for 100 years. Good day.

[@davidelack8809]

Been through grass valley several times in our travels from Arizona , had no idea there was a cool historic site to check out. Thanks brother,its on the list now! Always enjoy your videos! You are so blessed to have an amazing partner to share your adventures!

[@AB-ye7bw]

Now that’s what I call History! Great episode. 😊

[@marydilley4455]

Amazing mine tour! Nice to see Sarah on the show. We would like to explore the surrounding area ourselves.someday. Thank you for another Sunday showing Jeff!

[@terryeustice5399]

Never realized that there was a Gold Mine in the USA until 1957. It took a lot equipment to run a Gold Mine. I guess. Great video Sarah and Jeff. Thank you for taking us along. 💯💕👊👍

[@haroldnelson3734]

Great video, Jeff & Sarah! The Empire Mine is one I've never visited. Thanks for taking us on the tour with you. History of the California Gold Rush is so amazing!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Harold!

[@CameronMcCreary]

Nice, you and Sarah have gone to the Empire Mine in Grass Valley, California. Thank you very much for presenting this. I went into the mine many years ago when one could get further down than today. It hit water about 1000' down but today the water level is down right after the turn is made by the mining car sleds heading down. The mine property is a great place to hike on. Also, the Idaho-Maryland mine is just up the road on Idaho-Maryland road. It is dangerous to go into either mine today. From what I was told many years ago, the mules lived their entire lives underground.

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

An entire life underground ... I don't like the feeling of imagining it. If the mule could speak 😳

[@CameronMcCreary]

@@HistoryHunterSarah I don't like to think about being underground in any mine for any length of time. I don't think that the mules knew anything else. I thank you and Jeff for showing us the mine property; I haven't been there since 2008.

[@JanisLC]

Those poor mules ! 😢

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff and Sarah, Happy Sunday. Thanks for taking us along and sharing the history and the story of Grass Valleys Empire mine. Thanks for what you do.Have a wonderful day.

[@catherinesmith9820]

I've been there & really recommend spending the time there. Worth it.

[@mernarodway7301]

Excellent! Sweet memories of when my husband & I would explore old mine sites when 4 wheeling in the mountains around us. We found a couple of century old abandoned stamp mills. My husband worked at a gold mine and every trip we'd make was a history lesson. His co-workers affectionately called him The Professor. I loved Sarah's imput & questions. Keep up the good work!😊

[@jbenziggy]

Love your comments. Sadly I get the impression that your husband is no longer living? If that’s the case, I’m glad you have good memories you’re holding onto!

[@mernarodway7301]

He's been walking heaven's streets of gold 8 years. Probably teaching everyone the history of gold 😅 Good memories are eternal! Thanks for your comment❤

[@nhdenver7883]

Great episode Jeff and Sarah. I've always loved the Grass Valley area!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevemccoy8138]

Very interesting story, talk about History, that's what I'm talking about. Catchy tune at the end. Nowadays you probably couldn't get anyone to work like that in a mine. Thanks for the tour. 😂

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

This was a very cool place to visit. Thank you for the excursion Jeff & Sarah!

[@lornahardin4563]

It's been about thirty years since I went thru the Empire Mine. The grounds were beautiful then, roses were gorgeous, everything green and pretty. Thanks for the memories Sarah and Jeff. I loved Sarah's "I'll keep my desk job". That seat did not look comfy. LOL

[@karenjohnson3495]

Just gave you two kids a thumbs up. I found the Empire Mine very interesting and to see it lasted over a hundred years. You two are such pros. Thanks again and again.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you very much, Karen! We really especially love you calling us kids. I am 63 and I don’t think anybody’s called me a kid in the last decade. Lol.

[@Smithsgold]

I can spend all day there !!!!! Good job with the video

[@Magravated]

These are the things you miss when you just drive through old towns like Grass Valley. I've driven through there a couple of times and I never stopped. Thanks guys!

[@jbenziggy]

Very true! Each town has to be walked to appreciate what it has to offer! The mine is up the road a piece but worth visiting!

[@kevinduden9222]

I toured that area 30+"years ago. I remember reading many of mules went blind. They also knew how much ore the team could pull and when the miners added weight to increase production the mules would refuse to pull until the extra weight was removed.

[@theathjr]

Great job guys ! I really appreciate all of the work that you both put into the videos. ❤️

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much!

[@connie2558]

I'm with Sarah, brilliant ingenuity even grist mills, amazing. Thanks for showing.

[@starrens]

Thanks for bringing back some great memories for me! My grandpa took me here as a little girl (I should dig out the pictures). It was his influence that made me grow to enjoy and appreciate our state’s rich history.

[@jbenziggy]

That’s very sweet to remember your dear grandfather and how he spent time with you!

[@gama45]

Another great history video of the Grass Valley area! Very interesting and informative. We were living in Cedar Ridge, about a mile east of the empire mine when it was purchased by Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1974, and it became a State Park. Before that, I used to ride my Yamaha trail bike all around the trails, and out through the mine dumps. I was glad to see it purchased and turned into a State Historic Park. The Borne Cottage has been open for tours from time to time. The reflective pool was cleaned out, but it has become dark and yucky from the lack of mainenance, as the state doesn't have the funds to maitain it. Quite a shame as the mine, the richest gold mine in California, played a majore roll in California history. The massive wooden headframe was still in place at the mineshaft entrance, which I used to climb, but it started to deteriarate and fall apart, so they tore it down. There is another headframe across the road just north of the bone yard, but it's all falling apart and fenced off. Thanks for the excellent historic tour of our Empire Mine State Historic Park! Great job Jeff & Sarah! As a foot note, there's still gold in them thar hills! A few years ago, someone in the area had his driveway regraveled with mine rock, and he actually found some gold in it. They say we've only recovered the easy 10% of the gold in California. There's still a commercial gold mine, the Original 16 to 1 Mine up in Alleghany, about 15 miles northeast of Nevada City, as the crow flies. They conduct tours down into the mine by appointment. Huell Howser did a "California's Gold" episode about Grass Valley years ago, and took us down into the mine, where the Cornish Choir used to sing Christmas Carols, using the unique accustics. You can still watch many episodes on KZbin. But today, they use technology such as metal detectors and radar to find the gold veins. Here's a compilation of videos about the Original 16 to 1 mine I found on KZbin while looking for the California's Gold episode, which I haven't found yet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3fPkJalj7B5fsk

[@redmccoy8633]

Baffles the mind how they created things back in those days. It's amazing what they accomplished. Thanx to you both for the tour.

[@jerryfountain7921]

Happy Sunday Jeff & Sarah! Thank you for touring this mine for us. I've never heard of it and I'm a native Californian. Your editing and use of music makes your videos come alive! See ya next Sunday!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Jerry! The feedback is sheets helpful! Blessings!

[@WayneKline]

Another great history video Jeff & Sarah, well done. Always learning something new with you guys. Excellent music, editing and narration, as always.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you so very much, Wayne! We trust that you are doing well!

[@WayneKline]

@@jbenziggy Hello Jeff, all good here thanks. Back in Singapore this week. Kuala Lumpur next week. Hope you and Sarah are both doing well.

[@peanut_trucker]

The grit of man in those days is unbelievable, we can't comprehend what it took to survive which was normal life for them. Great episode thanks for sharing safe travels.

[@jbenziggy]

You do important work too, and face dangers every day, of that I am sure.

[@thestonewind2308]

Thank you for the nice video on the Empire Mine. A factoid that wasn't mentioned, is that around three-hundred miles of mine tunnels still exist below the town of Grass Valley - mind-blowing if you think about it. I live not too far away, and have visited the mine many times over the years. I strongly recommend that if anyone finds themselves in the area of Grass Valley/Nevada City, a visit to the Empire Mine is well worth your time.

[@jbenziggy]

I understand that those many miles of tunnels are probably all filled with water now?

[@thestonewind2308]

@@jbenziggy You are correct. The ground water in the Grass Valley area is very near to the surface - "in the day" one of the great difficulties of running the mine was keeping the mine shafts from filling up with water. Lots of interesting history there - a good place to start is with the Empire Mine State Historic Park website.

[@irishgip71]

While in Ft Irwin, Ca, I was assigned to assist in Mojave museum on base. There I met “Joe” our taxidermic camel. Camels were used before burros but had to switch due to their lack of ability to defend itself against mountain lions and coyotes. Lil unknown fact that’s interesting as heck. Thank you again for the great content sir.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

The grounds are beautiful, and the video is excellent as always.

[@gregboyden564]

thanks for a very informative video on this historic mine. I have always wanted to visit. Must go there now , motivated by Jeff and Sarah and the beautiful shots of the old mine.

[@jbenziggy]

Go for it! Glad you enjoyed this adventure!

[@gregboyden564]

@@jbenziggy I love all the 49er gold history of California

[@ronlasting1203]

Great job guys...I wait each week for your videos! Thanks Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

@@ronlasting1203 you are so good to tell us this! We appreciate you!

[@marylouruss1087]

Thanks much for the journey and lesson..Take care

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! We will be safe!

[@dougmannie4149]

that place is so cool. I'm gonna have to go there

[@benniebarrow348]

What a time capsule !........just amazing. Thanks so much guys.

[@sandwalkingco]

Excellent video. I have always wanted to go see this place.

[@terryroths4254]

Nope,nope,nope..I'll stick to my dust pan gold hunting. Good video!. Blessings to you both.

[@eddieeldorado-qw2nb]

watching from hangtown California, I am a gold miner and work my dirt all day.great video I learned something new

[@greyghostjay]

Just wondering if you ever found out if they open that mansion at certain times for tours? What a great interesting video!

[@brentmcmillan646]

Great video! Mules were used in rough terrain because they are more sure footed.

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Oh yeah I forgot about their surefootedness 🫏

[@mattn676]

@ 10:28 is how the Sutro tunnel must have looked liked when it was still in operation.. Very cool episode of History Hunters!

[@ScottEBoling]

I enjoyed Sarah's participation and your use of music.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, Scott! Much appreciated!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again, Jeff and Sarah

[@tikitavi7120]

The Empire really is a hidden gem to history minded people. Looks like a nice quiet day for a tour. Thanks!

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Nice to see Sarah again. She is a lot of fun. Nancy

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, Nancy!

[@ark4147]

Outstanding story. Next time I’m up in Grass Valley, I’ll have to check it out.

[@rogertemple7193]

This was another great history lesson and I learned more here than I did in school thanks have a great week.👋🇺🇲

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much for enjoying this one and learning a little bit about the mining in California. Love to know where you’re from.

[@terry7937]

I found the history of this mine fascinating and it left me wanting more. I hope you do more of these kinds of local histories. Thank you both so much.

[@karenmiller2642]

Another great Sunday morning.

[@alanatolstad4824]

I noticed first off that your subscribership is up a couple thousand! Much deserved!!---Sarah, yep, a blessing and a curse.---Once again, thanx for the wonderful tour. And I loved the music a lot! This visit was over too soon. Sigh.

[@jbenziggy]

Yes! Thank you! Love everything that you wrote to us! We are feeling blessed with great people watching our channel and supporting us along the way!

[@JoanneKinnally]

Yes you do have a viewer in Schenectady! GE was in its hay day back then. Thanks for giving Schenectady a shout out! Another great video. I always look forward to them

[@jbenziggy]

That is amazing! I just threw it out there thinking that perhaps we did have a fan isn’t that City and you prove me right. Thanks for the pleasant surprise. Comment to this video.

[@TheSpaghetti64]

I've been to the Empire Mine several times and is one of my favorite spots in Gold Rush country. Beautiful grounds.

[@jbenziggy]

We agree! Especially around the mansion!

[@caroleannseaton9178]

Good morning Jeff and Sarah. Another great educational film. Why did the Cornish miners leave Cornwall? Were the mines drying up? Was the pay better? Now that you have been to a Cornish mine, you need to make the miner's everyday lunch. A Cornish pasty, meat turnover, they are good. You can drizzle a little gravy on it if you want, even though they wouldn't have that in the mine. Michigan's UP, upper peninsula, has a Cornish history and is known for places to get pasties. Google a recipe and you will like it. See you next Sunday.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Loved this one, so interesting.

[@jbenziggy]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@gdroege44]

Another adventure with you and Sarah makes our day! 👍

[@jbenziggy]

Sweet! Thanks! We like making someone’s day!

[@casedoumasr656]

Hell Jeff and Sara this is a great park and you 2 have show cased it super all the detail love it .p.s. the sign showing the price of GOLD for the years has really Boomed from the early years to now 2024 . Looking forward to more of tag longs like this for years to come ⛏️💰🇺🇸

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much for coming along! Yes, more adventures, Lord willing!

[@californiahiker9616]

Thanks!

[@rhondaz356]

That was very interesting. You're so right. What a tough, potentially dangerous way to earn a living. Looking at the pic of the guys, being lowered down the shafts, made me realize how young so many of the miners looked. a really great, informative video, Jeff and Sarah 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you.

[@leesa7489]

I grew up down the street from the Empire Mine...very nice video! I have taken the tour several times and have hiked the trails around it all my life...

[@Timme83]

You guys are awesome 👍🏻⛏️❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! That’s nice of you to say so! Blessings!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Interesting mine, the depths those men dug down in earth is incredible. Thank you for sharing. Take care Jeff and Sarah. 🇺🇲

[@judithacker2214]

Loved seeing all of this again. Lived there from 1975 to 1983. Our property backed up to the west side of the mine property.

[@dstu322]

Now I have another place to check out, never knew about the empire mine before.

[@barbarabooth4955]

So very interesting I have been to Grass Valley but I never knew about the museum Thank you

[@JBOHATCH]

Still love that outro song with your credits in slow motion! Love your videos and content!! Let’s get Jeff and Sarah more subscribers! :)

[@jbenziggy]

Yes! Let’s get more subscribers! Share us with your friends! Thank you for your support!

[@rosaszymanski4601]

Love your video this morning thank you Jeff and Sarah☕️

[@octane2099]

Thank you Jeff for my weekly fix, hope you guys are well.

[@bartgoins1782]

Another great history lesson. Thanks Jeff and Sarah for sharing.

[@JanisLC]

What a beautiful property .. one of the most beautiful I have seen! I love these videos you do that show the old buildings plus the history of each place ! Another great video Jeff!! Thanks !!

[@johnhughes8563]

Excellent video thank you so much .

[@jbenziggy]

So nice of you! Thank you very much and we hope that she will be back next week as we explore Nevada city.

[@joelhurley2678]

Great video Jeff and Sarah thank you so much. I really enjoyed the mining history my family in southeast Kansas were coal miners from Italy. My great-grandfather worked in the coal mines in Southeast Kansas and my Great-Uncle ran a dragline for a scooper. Thanks for sharing have a great day.

[@glocke380]

"I'd rather stand on the edge of Glacier Point than go down there." Me too Sarah, me too.

[@hi_its_me_erin]

My grandparents built a cabin near Soda Springs in 1935 and the face of our fireplace is made from rocks my grandpa got from the Empire Mine.

[@jbenziggy]

Very interesting! I bet it turned out nice!

[@briannave7326]

Another interesting video as usual.

[@sharonjose9716]

I liked the fountains and pools. There was no sneaking up on anyone in the surveyors building with those noisy stairs.

[@jbenziggy]

They were terribly creaky, weren’t they?

[@robertforrest7956]

Great video, enjoyed seeing the place again, it's been years. 😅 Thanks Kids.....👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@OhioGuy330]

Another great awesome history video thank you Jeff your the best

[@jbenziggy]

I very very much appreciate your kindness!

[@kathleenamatangelo3713]

Grass Valley does have sink hole events! It has been said that only 10% of the gold has been mined from here. From the time the mine closed until it became a state park, Empire was in a state of needed upkeep, we could walk in and wander around. It is beautiful today!

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

The grounds are beautiful but sink hole events crossed my mind quite a bit while we were there. I wonder how much height the ground would lose and how large an area would be affected if the entire mine system collapsed at once?

[@NBZW]

My dad started working there tending donkeys below ground at age 13 in 1912. He later was winch operator at the bottom level, we attended Christmas party’s at the Borne mansion, loved to visit the beautiful rose gardens. That came to an end in 1942. Dads in the 1936 group photograph. We resided at 222 Washington St. The electric locomotive was used to take waste material to the dump, it was operated by my God Father, Freddy Watts.

[@philmcmurray]

Great video - and I agree with Sarah. The things that people were able to construct and operate so long ago, with such limited technology, never ceases to amaze me!

[@jbenziggy]

They were more sophisticated than we give them credit for! Thanks for watching!

[@seniorcyclingwithsydney-uq8ut]

You too do such a great job. We’ve been to the Empire mine a few times, but I’ve learned more watching your videos, keep up the great work. Love you guys.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you! I appreciate the kindness you inferred in your comments!

[@frankmarullo228]

Good video guys ! There sure are a lot of interesting things to see in America. Isn't there ? So with that being said , THANK you for showing us places. Most of us can't get to. Thank you for your work Jeff . FRANK FROM MONTANA.......

[@jbenziggy]

I could imagine that there are quite a few interesting places to visit in Montana. Do you get to explore your state very much or did you used to explore what was around you?

[@frankmarullo228]

@@jbenziggy I hit ( in warmer weather with out any snow ) lots of Ghost towns , brewerys not to get drunk they are about twenty five miles apart and gotta drive , battlefields ,ETC , ETC ,ETC. There is a ton of history up here in montana . PS you guys should come do videos up here . THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.....FRANK FROM MONTANA.........

[@FlopSter-i1o]

Sarah, I hope you got some beautiful photos of bumble bees in that fascinating park. I had the opportunity to visit it once when I lived in that state as a child.

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Thank you! No pictures of the bumble bee. It was moving faster than i could aim a camera. Lots of fun things had my attention that day, though. Beautiful & peaceful grounds.

[@jimprice1959]

Thanks for this informative video. It's been over 20 years since I've been to the Empire Mine. I can see that they have added many more interesting displays and opened up access to the grounds around the Bourne house.

[@Corgis175]

Great tour.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another fantastic HH vid!!! Thnx again for my weekly HH "fix" Jeff and Sarah!!! Love the Grass Valley area!!! ~Chris

[@EGSBiographies-om1wb]

I think there is a popular country song from back n the day about Mule Skinners.

[@Cori-se9ww]

Love your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@uncralph4354]

Love your videos, once, in the late 70s I was the bus driver for a bunch of big wigs and got to go on a tour inside the house, just the bottom floor, but the walls inside were made of redwood heartwood panels, so beautiful!

[@jbenziggy]

From what I could tell peeking through the windows, it looked great to me! I’m glad that it hasn’t burned down!

[@WyomingTraveler]

This is a very interesting video about mining operation. Thanks for the tour

[@ninaellyson814]

Thank you both! Sorry I haven’t been watching. I been not well. Feeling better. Always enjoy your Channel. Been watching for some time now. I guess the mines are all flooded now….Neat tour. Looks like an abundance of information and relics to see. I have an ore cart in my front yard! Lol. Thank you very much again 👏👏❤ -Nina

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you are feeling better, Nina! Grateful that you want to watch! Bless you! Stay well! And yes the mines are flooded!

[@rivagrimaldi]

Hi Jeff & Sarah. Love your show! I’m truly a history fanatic. I’m not sur you realize that sometimes the background music drowns out the the vocals. Keep the history flowing! Riva from Smyrna DE

[@jbenziggy]

So nice to hear from you in Delaware. In this video, there were some music spots that didn’t really cover up any real conversations so you didn’t miss anything.

[@petemoss1951]

Beautiful job telling the story! Love this place and his home in the Bay Area. Thanks for the reminder of trips I have made to this place. Have a great week!