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Present day Empire was named in November 1860
after the great state of New York!
The population, mostly miners, knew it would be as great an Empire someday. By May 1861, they had a blacksmith shop, a general store with post office attached, dozens of miner’s shacks, and several other very impressive buildings, including the building, now housing Jenny’s restaurant, and the King House, both pictured here. The first gold of any consequence and the first true fissure lode in the county were discovered in Empire in 1860 by Henry DeWitt Clinton Cowles and Edgar F. Freeman.
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The population of Empire fluctuated between a handful of people in 1860 and early 1870’s to 500 in 1882, the year of our incorporation. The current population is around 420. In 1938, Berthoud Pass joined the transcontinental road system when US Highway 40 went through Empire. Tourists now experience Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and destinations west through the gateway of Empire.
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We are steeped in nature. Empire is surrounded by National Forest, which provides exquisite hiking, biking and four-wheeling opportunities. One can take a mild stroll up Union Pass or an exhilarating all day adventure up North Empire. You are liable to see deer, elk, sheep, hawks, osprey, hummingbirds and maybe even catch a glimpse of a bear, mountain lion or visiting moose. Want something more extreme? We have a Mountain Board Shop with a mountain board park within walking distance and experts to teach you how to ride.
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Our restaurants are also special –
many of them have been under the same ownership for over twenty years! They offer ice cream, homemade candy, burgers, fries, steaks, fresh baked goodies, fine dining, excellent wines, specialty coffees, breakfast burritos, margaritas, homemade pies – even biscuits and gravy!
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We have other specialty shops too
offering original stained glass, local artwork and photographs, storybook prints and sculptures or maybe pick up a wood spirit to watch over your home.
Didn’t get to visit them all?
Spend the night at The historic Peck House, built in 1862 or Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast.
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SHOP, EAT, STAY- OR STOP BY OUR VISITOR’S CENTER FOR A GOOD LOOK AT EMPIRE!
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HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
RED MEN HALL
THE PECK HOUSE
JENNY’S
THE KING HOUSE
THE SHEPHARD HOUSE
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EMPIRE
THEOBALD PARK AND VISITOR’S CENTER
EMPIRE CEMETARY
COME VISIT EMPIRE IN THE HEART OF CLEAR CREEK COUNTY!
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Empire ColoradoThe historic Town of Empire is a Statutory Town located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States. The population was 355 at the U.S. Census 2000. The town is a former mining settlement that flourished during the Colorado Silver Boom in the late 19th century. It is located in the valley Clear Creek west of Denver, on the north side of the valley. The town consists of several commercial establishments and residents. U.S. Highway 40 passes through the town as its ascends towards Berthoud Pass, putting the town on the direct route between Denver and Middle Park. Stop by the Peck House while driving to your Colorado ski vacation in Clear County.
Pack up the frisbee on your next Colorado camping or hiking vacation and stop by the Thunder Mountain (Easter Seals) frisbee golf course.
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| Census Data As of the census of 2000, there were 355 people, 163 households, and 88 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,406.0 people per square mile (548.3/km²). There were 179 housing units at an average density of 708.9/sq mi (276.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.37% White, 3.10% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.66% of the population.
There were 163 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.0% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the town the population was spread out with 27.0% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 5.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 112.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.4 males. |
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EMPIRE TOWN HALL
30 E. Park Ave.
State Register 9/9/1998, 5CC.684
Since its completion in 1898, the second floor of this two-story wood frame building has served as the local seat of government and as the social and cultural center for the town. Over the years, a variety of retail businesses have occupied the first floor. | |
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| HOOP CREEK STONE BRIDGE US Hwy. 40 on east side of Berthoud Pass, Empire vicinity
State Register 6/14/2000, 5CC.1006
Initially constructed in 1921, the bridge site also includes features added in 1935. Although the stone structures on the site are in deteriorating condition, the property continues to serve as an important visual reminder of the early automobile highways constructed to provide access over Colorado’s high mountain passes. A non-profit organization, Partners for Access to the Woods, is working toward rehabilitating the site as an accessible recreational area. |
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MINT SALOON (Empire Shop)
13 E. Park Ave. (US 40)
State Register 12/9/1992, National Register 2/3/1993, 5CC.856
The small one-story, wood frame commercial building was constructed circa 1885, and the overall appearance of what was an important local gathering placed has changed very little. The establishment continued to meet the recreational and social need in this small mountain mining town until 1938, when it was converted from a saloon into a liquor store. | |
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| PECK HOUSE (Hotel Splendide) 83 Sunny Ave.
National Register 3/25/1993, 5CC.183
The Peck House is recognized as the oldest lodging establishment in Colorado. Members of the Peck family owned the property until 1945. The original 1862 Peck residence, a small 1½-story front gabled roof post and beam structure, is set on a rubble foundation. During 1862-63, a two-story 30-foot long addition was constructed to the east. In 1880, the addition was extended by 40 feet, and a veranda was added along the south and east sides of the hotel. In 1955, a compatible addition was constructed on the west. |
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