Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

William Sharon

1821 – 1885

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

1. William Sharon Marker

Inscription.
Managed the Bank of California during the Comstock’s Bonanza period. During this time, he was known as the “King of the Comstock.”

William Sharon was the father of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. He also formed the “Union Mill and Mining Company” and was elected United States Senator in 1875.

Often times disliked by many, William Sharon was one of the major developers of the Comstock Lode.
Julia C. Bullette Chapter #1864
E Clampus Vitus
June 27th 1998 (6003)

Erected 1998 by Julia C. Bullette Chapter No.1864, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1794.

Location. 39° 18.572′ N, 119° 39.005′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is at the intersection of Taylor Street and South C Street (Nevada Route 341), on the right when traveling east on Taylor Street. Marker is located on the corner of the Ponderosa Saloon and Mine Building. The marker faces Taylor Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 South C Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Bank of California (here, next to this marker); Banner Brothers Building (a few steps from this marker); Col. Morris Pinschower Building (a few steps from this marker); The Crystal Bar (a few steps from this marker); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (a few steps from this marker); The Millionaires Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Dowling's Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Washoe Engine Co. No. 4 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

More about this marker. Also see the “Nearby Marker” Bank of California for additional information.

Regarding William Sharon. An editorial in The Virginia City Territorial Enterprise greeted William Sharon’s announcement that he would run for the U.S. Senate: “You are probably aware that you have returned to a community where you are feared, hated and despised. . . . Your career in Nevada for the past nine years has been one of merciless rapacity. ... You cast honor, honesty and the commonest civilities aside. You broke faith with men whenever you could subserve your purpose by so doing.”

Sharon spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the election and lost.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 24, 2009

2. William Sharon Marker

View of the marker. Nearby marker Bank of California can be seen facing C Street.

Sharon, as hardheaded as he was hard-hearted, had his sights firmly fixed on Washington. It took several years, the purchase of countless votes, nearly a million dollars placed into the right pockets and buying the Territorial Enterprise before Sharon finally succeeded.
(Source: Titans of Fortune - http://titansoffortune.com/articles/titans/william_sharon_californias_machiavellian_banker)

Additional commentary.
1. Additional Historical Markers in HMdb.org
The California 1849 Gold Rush, followed by the Comstock Lode of Nevada brought together several prominent businessmen whose dealings were instrumental in both California and Nevada history. There are markers located throughout Northern California and Nevada which commemorate their accomplishments and their collaboration. These include William Sharon, William Ralston, Adolph Sutro and Leland Stanford to name just a few. Subjects include mining, railroads, banking, government and industry.
Be sure to search for these markers within the database to learn more about these individuals.

— Submitted August 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Additional keywords. Banking,

The Ponderosa Saloon and Mine Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

3. The Ponderosa Saloon and Mine Building

This marker is located just around the corner facing the side street. (Taylor Street)

Comstock Mining Area

Sign on Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

4. Sign on Building

William Sharon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

5. William Sharon

Ponderosa Saloon - Sharon House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brenton William Cooper

6. Ponderosa Saloon - Sharon House

Marker is mounted on the wall obscured by the two people standing in the street.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,570 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on August 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on January 5, 2011, by Brenton William Cooper(Renodesertfox) of Reno, Nevada.