The W.B. Empie lumber mill was one of the largest mills in Jackson County, as reflected in this drawing. Located between the railroad tracks and the river, as the mills usually were, the Empie operation could transport its product by railcar or steamboat. In this era, most river towns of any size sported at least one lumber mill.
From Watson, Tim, and Elizabeth Jacoway. Newport and Jackson County. Arcadia Publishing, 2016