Explore the rich geological and cultural history of one of the great mines of the Comstock Lode! Go deep underground and discover how the miners of the Gold Rush extracted the wealth that made Virginia City famous. The gold and silver brought thousands across America to risk it all and seek their fortune. First staked in 1859, Virginia City’s Chollar Mine (later the Chollar-Potosi) was one of the leading producers on the Comstock. Over the next 80 years, miners blasted and carted out some $17 million in gold and silver. Discover how the mines were built, the geological significance of the rocks and what it meant to the men who dug here.
A guided tour lasts a half hour and is a 400 ft., level walk. The tour shows visitors square-set timbering, silver ore, rock drills, as well as displays of old equipment. Finally, a brief period of darkness as the guide lights a candle to show how the miners worked.
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Courtesy T. Turner – Wind sculptured rock