EARLY NEVADA BROADSIDE

(SUTRO, Adoph). Sutro Tunnel Company Broadside. Virginia City, Nevada: Sutro Tunnel Company, October 4, 1869. One folio sheet, 7 by 15-1/2 inches, printing on recto only. $2000.

Original broadside announcing key developments for the Sutro Tunnel Company in Nevada.

Adolph Sutro was a key developer in California and Nevada, with significant contributions in mining, real estate, and politics. Educated in the field of mine engineering, he went to Nevada during the Comstock Lode days. Concerned about safety for the miners, he proposed a tunnel to ventilate the mine, prevent flooding, and provide quick access. The plan attracted little attention until “the Yellow Jacket Mine fire of April 1869 killed forty-five miners whose lives might have been spared had Sutro’s tunnel been in place. Sutro’s powerful speech to a mass rally of miners in Virginia City’s Piper’s Opera House in September proved to be the turning point. The Miners’ Union voted him $50,000 to start the job in October. Their example influenced Horace Greeley and the U.S. House’s Committee on Mines and Mining to recommend a $2 million congressional loan… Sutro personally swung the first pick” (ANB) The tunnel ultimately extended for six miles and was finished in 1878. After completion of the tunnel, Sutro moved to San Francisco and became a land developer, eventually being elected mayor of the city. This broadside publicly proclaims power of attorney and the trust deed to enable Sutro to raise money for the tunnel. Scarce.

Broadside in near-fine condition with only a couple small closed tears. An important piece of Nevada and mining history.