Although the Comstock Lode had previously been discovered, it was not until July 1, 1859 that the development of the Lode's
great silver deposits commenced. The subsequent rush during 1860 and the following 3 years brought men and equipment eastward
to Nevada from California. Gold Hill, built over a portion of the Comstock Lode, was comprised of numerous mines including
the Empire Mine. In April, 1876, the Empire mine was consolidated with the Imperial, bacon, Eclipse, French, Bowers and Consolidated
Gold Quartz mines to form the Consolidated Imperial Mine.