Comstock Lode

noun

1. the most valuable deposit of silver ore ever recorded, discovered in 1859 by Henry T. P. Comstock near Virginia City, Nevada.

Comstock Lode

/ ˈkɒm-; ˈkʌmˌstɒk /

noun

1. an extensive gold and silver vein in W Nevada, near Virginia City

Word History and Origins

Origin of Comstock Lode¹

C19: named after T. P. Comstock (1820–70), American prospector

Example Sentences

“We believed in good luck. We believed in the miner who scratched together one last stake and struck the Comstock Lode.”

From New York Times

Europeans colonized the area in the mid-1800s and began clear-cutting trees to supply nearby towns and the Comstock Lode mines with lumber.

From Los Angeles Times

Among his clients were the owners of the Comstock Lode, the massive vein of silver ore.

From Washington Post

Since the historic Comstock Lode strike in 1859, miners set out in every direction, establishing a boom-bust cycle that itself is yet to bust.

From Los Angeles Times

Mint is expected to give the keynote address Tuesday during the 150th anniversary celebration of the Carson City Mint, which began producing coins from the silver and gold ore of the nearby Comstock Lode on Feb. 4, 1870.

From Washington Times