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