The Comstock Lode


partner James Fair held a controlling interest in the Hale & Norcross Mine. They made so much money that they were able to buy even more properties. With their partners O'Brien and Flood of San Francisco, MacKay and Fair also acquired controlling interest in the Virginia City and Gold Hill Water-Works; several quartz mills; the Pacific Wood, Lumber & Flume Company; and several other businesses.

Many houses on Nob Hill in San Francisco were financed by the mining millionaires. The Palace and Fairmont Hotels, many banks, and office buildings were financed by Comstock money too. The foundries and machine shops of San Francisco and other West Coast towns worked day and night to fill orders for engines, boilers, pumps, and all kinds of machinery to be shipped to the mines. Ranchers and fruit growers in California shipped fresh produce and livestock to the boom towns.

The mines started petering out in the 1880s. The impacts of the fortunes of the Comstock Lode would long be felt. Innovations like the square set changed the shape of mining. San Francisco became a force on the West Coast. Many individuals became millionaires. And a new state, the state of Nevada was born!

The copyright of the article The Comstock Lode in The Old West is owned by Elizabeth Gibson. Permission to republish The Comstock Lode in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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