Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

"The central idea in the preparation of this little book has been to give, as concisely as possible, such information in regard to the silver mines of the Comstock as the visiting tourist is likely to require." -- introductory.

When it comes to Nevada history, men get most of the ink. Comstock Women is a collection of 14 historical studies that helps to rectify that reality. The authors of these essays, who include some of Nevada’s most prominent historians, demographers, and archaeologists, explore such topics as women and politics, jobs, and ethnic groups. Their work goes far in refuting the exaggerated popular images of women in early mining towns as dance hall girls or prostitutes. Relying primarily on newspapers, court decisions, census records, as well as sparse personal diaries and records left by the woman, the essayists have resurrected the lives of the women who lived on the Comstock during the boom years.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ... covered the roads to the depth of 6 feet, wood was sold for $40' and even $50 per cord,7 and the sufferings of the poor were extreme. The hardy Chinese burrowed under the snow for the roots, which they hawked about the. streets at the rate of $60 per cord, selling their loads as soon as gathered. This rate was of course exceptional, but even in the most favorable seasons the supply could scarcely keep pace with the increasing demand. Timber was in no less urgent request, and the cost of transportation was even greater, as it was cut mainly on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada range. In 1866 it was reported that 200,000 cords of wood were delivered to consumers in the district. 'Gold Hill News, November 14,1863; December 9,28, 1865; January 9, 1868;.Iarch 13, 1868. 9 Ibid., March 2, 1867. 3Ibicl., April 8, September 19, 1864. 4 The Big Bonanza, p. 384. 5 Virginia City Union, in Mining and Scientific Press, November 19, 1864. 5Gold Hill News, April 5, 1866. " Iln'd., March 1, 2, 1867. Daily consumption of firewood. Cords. By hoisting-Works on mines ____________________________________________ __ 70 By mills crushing ores _______________________________________________ __ 378 For domestic use ____________________________________________________ __ 120 568 568 cords per day, X 365 days, = 207,320 cords, yearly consumption. Cost, at $10 per cord, = $2,073,200. It Was estimated that the consumption of lumber for building purposes and mining timbers Was 25,000,000 feet (board measure) yearly, of Which 17,900,000 feet Were used in and around the mines. The annual cost of this supply Was computed to be $800,000. 1 Within the city limits similar indications could be noted of a growing reliance upon the stability of the main industry...

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