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

Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine

Comstock Historical Marker No. 13

— 100 Block, South D Street, Virginia City, NV —

Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

1. Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine Marker

Inscription. The Bonner shaft was named in honor of mine superintendent, Charles S. Bonner and began operations in the mid-1860s to explore the lower levels of the Gould & Curry Mine. This four compartment shaft reached a depth of almost 700 feet and cost over $75,000 to build. Construction of the shafts consisted of 12 inch timbers installed every 5 ft. and supported by vertical posts the same size. The cribbing was then covered on the outside by 4 inch planks. Wooden or metal guides were then installed down each side to the compartments to hold, and keep, the platform cages in place as they rode up and down the shafts. Construction costs for the Bonner Shaft averaged $109.00 a foot, which included materials used in its operation. The Bonner’s housing works survived the great fire of 1875, but with the decline of mining its machinery was later sold, and the building was eventually scrapped. In October 1992, a sinkhole measuring 40 feet in width and 60 feet in depth opened up at the site caused by an underground flowing water leak and rotting timbers. The Bonner Shaft cave in was filled with a plug consisting of steel and concrete and a cost to Storey County of $250,000, and has been trouble free ever since.

Erected 2009 by Marshall Earth Resources, Hugh Marshall and the Comstock Historical Society. (Marker Number 13.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1992.

Location. 39° 18.514′ N, 119° 38.979′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on South D Street near Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 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

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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: In Memory of Julia C. Bulette (a few steps from this marker); Bob (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Fire of 1875 (within shouting distance of this marker); V & T Car No. 13 (within shouting distance of this marker); “Sixty-Two” Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Young America Engine Co. No. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Millionaires Club (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Additional keywords. Comstock Lode, mining

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

2. Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine Marker

Mounted on the pole under the Speed Limit Sign.

Photo Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

3. Photo Displayed on Marker

[Photo caption:]

Looking South down D Street from Washington Street

Foundation of the Bonner Shaft Hoist Works. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

4. Foundation of the Bonner Shaft Hoist Works.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,634 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.