August 29th 1863, a fire swept through Virginia City, causing between $600,000 and $700,000 in damages. Beginning in a carpenter shop in the rear of Patrick Lynch’s saloon in the business section the fire quickly swept through the dry wooden buildings. At once it consumed the brittle board and canvas shanties. The damage may not […]
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Miners try to start a union
In May 1863, Comstock miners initiated efforts to form an association. The following year, the Storey County Miners’ League became the first sustained attempt at unionization of miners in the American West. Organized during a local depression, the League called for a $4 minimum daily wage for underground work and demanded “closed shops,” insisting companies […]
Battle of Appomattox Court House
Virginia – Decisive battle – Union victory: Lee’s forces surrounded. He subsequently surrenders. – April 9, 1865