The novel "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo is set in a small town characterized by its old textile mill, which symbolizes both the town's history and its decline. The mill represents the manufacturing past that once thrived, but now serves as a reminder of lost prosperity and changing times. It evokes nostalgia among the townspeople, who grapple with the impact of its deterioration on their lives and livelihoods.

As the story unfolds, the textile mill becomes a central motif that reflects the broader themes of economic hardship and the complexities of small-town dynamics. Russo captures the struggles of the characters against the backdrop of this fading industry, illustrating how their personal stories intertwine with the rise and fall of their hometown, ultimately revealing the enduring connections between the community and its shared history.