The Comstock Lode

[13]       

The Comstock Lode

Storey County
  39.31668, -119.64736

"... And then began the largest silver strike ever seen." -- Journal Entry, February 2008

Along (C Street) SR 341 at the north end of Virginia City
 * Find this one at a scenic overlook and picnic area at the gas station *

Original Date Visited: 2/4/08

Signed: Southbound lane of SR 341

  • Sign for Marker 13
  • The Comstock: bringing fine sunsets to you for 150 years
  • Mt. Davidson and Virginia City -- the Queen of Mining Camps

Exact Description:
Near this spot was the heart of the Comstock Lode, the fabulous 2 1/2 mile deposit of high-grade ore that produced nearly $400,000,000 in silver and gold. After the discovery in 1859, Virginia City boomed for 20 years, helped bring Nevada into the Union in 1864 and helped build San Francisco.

Seven major mines operated during the boom. Their sites today, marked by large yellow bumps, several of which are visible from here - the Sierra Nevada, a mile to your left, the Union, Ophir, Con Virginia and, on the high hill to the southeast, the Combination. The lode was worked from both ends. North up Gold Canyon and south from the Sierra Nevada and the Utah Mines.

Next Marker:

GOLDFIELD

Related Links & Markers

 Comstock Archaeology: Online Nevada Encyclopedia   Black Pioneers: My Nevada 5    History of the Comstock

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