More than $6 billion was taken out of the Comstock Lode during the last half of the 19th century, and hard rock mining as its known today was invented there. Now, more than 150 years of history is being featured in a new DVD, “Virginia City and the Comstock Lode, Yesterday & Today.”
The video, narrated by Tommy Myers as Henry T.P. Comstock, offers a comprehensive look at the area, including a glimpse of Mark Twain, the Bonanza Kings, Adolph Sutro, the Grosh brothers, Eilley Orrum and Sandy Bowers, Philip Deidesheimer, and more.
McAvoy Layne brings Twain to life in several chapters, recounting the celebrated humorist’s tales of Virginia City. Forty minutes of the 2 1/2 hour production are devoted to the history of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The movies also offers a tour of Virginia City’s significant buildings, saloons, mansions and museums.
Producers, Patrick and Cynthia Kennedy of Video Velocity, have lived on the Comstock for nearly three decades. The film was in production for more than four years.
Copies of the movie, which costs $19.95, can be ordered by calling Video Velocity at 775-847-9847 or emailing trikpony@aol.com.