Savage Mining Co.

Savage Mining Co.. Comstock Historical Marker No. 3. Claimed on July 4, 1859 by R. Crale, C. Chase, H. Carmack, W. Surtevant, A.O. Savage and L.C. Savage, the original Savage claim consisted of 1,800 feet along the Comstock Lode. In 1865, the company built a mill in Washoe Valley to process ore. Captain Sam Curtis and Charles Bonner became superintendents of the Savage in the mines’ early years. The Savage went into decline at the end of 1865, but became a major producer the following three years when rich ore was struck at the 600 foot level. In 1876, the Savage hit water at the 2,200 foot level and remained flooded for three years. Assessments of nearly $500,00 a year for pumping proved to be costly, and the great production years of the Savage came to an end. Total production from 1863 to 1909 was just over $18 million. On July 8, 1878, the Savage had the distinction of being the first mine on the Comstock to connect to the Sutro Tunnel. The Savage mansion and mine office also played host to ex-president Ulysses S. Grant on his visit to Virginia City on October 27, 1879., [A Second Marker – Plaque Mounted to the Right of the Steps] , Savage Mansion (c. 1861). This elegant mansion, designed in a French Second Empire style, served as a residence for the superintendent, as well as a mine office for the Savage Mining Company. The first floor served as the mine office while the upper two stories provided a residence for many successful superintendents., Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and “General of the Armies,” spoke to the townspeople from the second floor balcony on October 27, 1879, after a town parade in his honor. , State Historic Marker No. 87 , Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology , Nevada Landmarks Society.