Named by New Yorkers for their native state, Empire (1860, 8,601 feet) remains a quiet town of about 400, little affected by modern developments. North of town, beyond the current dump, are the ruins of Upper Empire or North Empire, the original mining town that was overshadowed by the current townsite along U.S. 40. Early vernacular frame buildings include the Mint Saloon, 13 East Park Avenue (NR), and a Carpenter's Gothic cottage (1881), 167 Park Avenue (U.S. 40), now the Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast. The Town Hall (c. 1880s?), Park Avenue (U.S. 40), is a two-story clapboard building with a cupola and siren on top. As much city business is conducted in the downstairs Hard Rock Cafe, which has been here since 1932, as in the upstairs town hall.
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