The town was built on the side of Covode Mountain nearly opposite
the Silver Mountain mining properties and equidistant between the
two boardinghouse relics, the Dumont and the Conqueror. The 1960
shot of the Copper Cone (or Gold Fissure) mine was taken from
approximately the same location, but looking north rather than east.
The various levels of streets and a few foundations may still be
seen through the trees.
[Illustration: D.K.P., 1960]
North Empire led a prosperous existence during the 1860’s and ’70’s but
died out during the 1880’s. Then in 1890 John M. Dumont, who had made
money at Mill City (now Dumont after him) and Freeland, bought the
Benton lode (named for Thomas Benton, the mountain man). Dumont
attempted a resurrection of the town. The collapse of silver in 1893
added momentum to his efforts, and North Empire enjoyed a lively life
for over a decade.
Again it was left to the blue jays and mountain rats until the 1930’s
when once more the mines and mills throbbed. When World War II drafted
its miners, the mills shut down and the mine shafts filled with water.
The town died forever—or until the price of gold again changes.
Nonetheless, the picturesqueness of North Empire’s setting, commented on
by all, lives on. The view to the south over Empire and Clear Creek to
the meadow made by Bard Creek, on over Union Pass to the valley where
Georgetown lies hidden, and on up to Guanella Pass against the skyline,
is unsurpassed for its soft charm. North Empire remains unique for its
picturesqueness.