Empire City

No state plaque stands for Empire City, and the Clampers' two stones, a few hundred yards apart, put it one mile and two miles south. John G. Marvin laid it out in 1850 at the head of navigation on the Tuolumne, and within months became California's first state superintendent of public instruction. Small steamers landed supplies here for Fort Miller and Fort Tejon, which the newer stone spells Tahone. The Marvins won the county seat in 1854 by pledging a $10,000 building that was never built, and La Grange took the seat thirteen months later.

What the plaque says

Empire City 1 mile south of this spot is the site of Empire City. Founded 1850 by John G. Marvin. Head of navigation on the Tuolumne River, military supply depot and 2nd county seat of Stanislaus County. Destroyed by flood in 1861-62. Dedicated Oct. 28, 1961 Estanislao Chapter No. 58 E Clampus Vitus Empire City Two miles south of this spot was the site of "Empire City," located on the south bank of the river. Founded in 1850 by John G. Marvin. The town was the head of navigation on the Tuolumne River. It was a military supply depot for Forts Miller and Tahone. Elected the second Stanislaus County Seat on October 21, 1854. Three stores, one three story hotel, two boarding houses, a blacksmith shop, church and a school house were present. Vessels called "Petite Steamers" like the Tulare, Enterprise, Empire City, and the Hartlett brought passengers and supplies. This was a major shipping point for the extensive grain crops of the area. The Town was destroyed by flood in 1861-62. I.N. "Jack" Brotherton Noble Grand Humbug Estanislao Chapter 58 E Clampus Vitus Originally Dedicated, October 28, 1961

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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