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

Ophir Grade

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2011

1. Ophir Grade Marker

Inscription. Built in 1860 by the Ophir Mining Company to facilitate the hauling of ore to the mills in the Washoe Valley, it was operated as a toll road until 1871 when its popularity declined due to the completion of the V and T Railroad from Carson City to Reno. It gained back popularity to some extent due to the discovery of ore bodies in the Jumbo District in the 1880’s. After Jumbo’s decline in 1900, it reverted back to its present condition.

Erected 1970 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter No. 1864, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 39° 17.982′ N, 119° 39.265′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on South C Street (State Highway 341), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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.

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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: McCone's Foundries (within shouting distance of this marker); Combination Shaft (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chollar Mine (approx. ¼ mile away); The Fourth Ward School (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fourth Ward School (approx. ¼ mile away); Chollar – Potosi Mining Co. (approx. ¼ mile away); Engineering Marvels on the Comstock (approx. ¼ mile away); Mackay Mansion (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2011

2. Ophir Grade Marker

August 9, 2009

3. Ophir Grade

Click on photo to view a close-up of traces of the Grade Road as seen from the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,619 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on August 10, 2011. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.