Sutro Comes Home: Tribute to a Comstock Visionary

On Monday, Oct. 19, the Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity (FoSTC) celebrated a significant milestone in Nevada mining history with the unveiling of a nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Adolph Sutro at the Sutro Tunnel historic site in Dayton. Sutro was the ambitious German-American engineer who designed and led the construction of this drainage adit and whose vision helped shape the Comstock.

This celebration welcomed longtime supporters, community members, charity partners, and local officials exactly 157 years after construction began on Oct. 19, 1869.

The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation (JASHP) commissioned the statue from internationally known sculptor Sam Philipe in Jerusalem. Jerry Klinger with JASHP helped make the project possible, bringing a lasting tribute to Sutro’s perseverance and contributions to Nevada’s mining heritage.

The celebration also highlighted the ongoing restoration effort – the project has advanced 317 feet into the historic tunnel, with the site currently open for self-guided tours three days a week. Support from donors and volunteers continues to help preserve the landmark for future generations.

Bill Miles, FoSTC board member and founder of Miles Construction, recognized CEO and Director of Mackay Gold & Silver Darwin Green for a $15,000 donation to the restoration – this contribution brings the FoSTC Tunnel Vision Campaign fundraising total to $2.25 million.

“Those of you who might have been out here 10 years ago can see some significant progress and it is people like Darwin and his company that make it happen,” stated Miles. “Mackay helps us preserve an extraordinary piece of Nevada’s mining heritage. Darwin, we truly appreciate your investment in this project and your commitment to keeping Nevada mining legacy alive.”

Speaking about the historic district, Green commented, “the history is as rich as the ore that came out of the Comstock.”

Sutro Tunnel Tourism Director Harmony Heywood emceed the event and spoke about Sutro’s life, noted the challenges he faced, including religious persecution and financial difficulties, emphasizing his determination to persevere. Guest speakers included Nevada Assemblyman Blayne Osborn, Lyon County Commissioner John Cassinelli, Jewish Nevada representative Mara Langer and Sutro Tunnel caretaker Spencer Davidson. Davidson was recently gifted a five-foot section of the tunnel that will bare his name as a thank you to his hard work and dedication at the tunnel site.

The new statue now stands as a tribute to Sutro’s vision and determination, connecting the region’s remarkable mining past with the continuing work to preserve one of Nevada’s historic landmarks. Learn more about the statue: thecomstockchronicle.com/bringing-sutro-home-a-legacy-cast-in-bronze/

Find out more about Sutro tunnel at thesutrotunnel.org and learn how to become a major donor at thesutrotunnel.org/tunnel-vision-campaign.