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

John William Mackay

Photographed by Lance C Johnson

1. John William Mackay Marker

Inscription. The Mackay family arrived, with John age 9, in New York City from Ireland in 1840. A decade later he moved to California to try his luck mining in the Downieville area. He left penniless for Virginia City soon after the 1859 discovery of silver and gold. Mackay began buying claims in mines making his first million by 1866. He multiplied his fortune by joining three other Irishmen, James Fair, James Flood and William O'Brien to form the "Big Four"

Erected 2008 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter 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 year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 39° 18.397′ N, 119° 39.012′ W. Marker is in Virginia city, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on South D Street north of Flowery Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 291 South D Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Reno Area.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frank Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Pelton Wheel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Solid Granite (about 500

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feet away); Savage Mining Co. (about 500 feet away); Savage Mansion (c. 1861) (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Virginia City's Oldest Church (about 600 feet away); Young America Engine Co. No. 2 (about 600 feet away).

The Mackay Mansion and the John William Mackay Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lance C Johnson

2. The Mackay Mansion and the John William Mackay Marker

Marker is mounted on the wall to the left side of the entrance door.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2021, by Lance C Johnson of Sun Valley, Nevada. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2021, by Lance C Johnson of Sun Valley, Nevada. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Entering of the additional markers seen in Photo #2 • Can you help?