Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Dowling's Blacksmith Shop
Photographed By Matthew J Ebert, June 23, 2023
1. Dowling's Blacksmith Shop Marker
Established on this corner in 1861 by Edward & Hughes, castings and mining equipment of all kinds were manufactured here. In 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad link would stimulate development and exploitation, changing the Western U.S. forever. The Silver Spike was commissioned by mining speculator, Railroad Commissioner and Gubernatorial candidate, Fredrick A.Tritle. E.Ruhling & Co., Assayers provided the Comstock silver.
One hundred locals took turns pounding the spike into shape here at Robert Lodge's facility. After the "Last Spikes' ceremony, May 10, 1869, in Promontory, Utah Territory, the Silver Spike was returned to Virginia City, polished and engraved at Nye Company on C St "To Leland Stanford President of the Central Pacific Railroad. To the iron of the East and the gold of the West, Nevada adds her link of silver to span the continent and wed the oceans."
The Silver Spike resides with the other spike in the Stanford's collection at Cantor Art Center in Palo Alto. In 1871 Wm Dowling became the sole proprietor of the blacksmith shop.
To Leland Stanford
Julia C. Bulette #1864
Of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
Dedicated June 24, Cy 6028 (2023)
Erected 2023 by E Clampus Vitus, Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864.
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Location. 39° 18.567′ N, 119° 39.033′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is on B Street near Taylor. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 B St, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washoe Engine Co. No. 4 (a few steps from this marker); Bank of California (within shouting distance of this marker); William Sharon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crystal Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Millionaires Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Banner Brothers Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Morris Pinschower Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.
Photographed By Matthew J Ebert, June 23, 2023
2. Dowling's Blacksmith Shop Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2023, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2023, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
