The Daily state register. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1870-1872, 1871-05-16
GREAT COAL DISCOVERY AT ELKo i.

Prospecting for coal has been going
on with more or less success by
several determined men since the 18th
of January, 1869, in and about the low
range of neighboring hills to the
southeast of town. The first discovery
of the probable existence of coal was
made by II. ID. and John A. Norton,
i'll company with Charles y. BrOss-
man, about the time above indicated.
These gentlemen, from the first dis
coVery of groupings, worked faithfully
and ~energetically III search of the
hidden Black Diamond treasure that
they believed to be imbOSomed some
where in old Mother Earth near the
vicinity of the outcroppingS upon the
surface of the ground, until about n
year ago, when the Central Pacific
Railroad Company took hold of the
work of prospecting and pushed it
forward for some two or three months
without developing anything of very
substantial character. The first named
parties then gave it another trial, and
continued to work it up to about the
LIST of November, 1870, with varied
success. During their entire opera
tons they sank or eNcavated three
shafts upon the coal field at different
points, varying in depth from 100 to
$50 feet: they also run two incline
shafts, ortunnels, II of which cached
the distance of l25 feet in depth fol-
lowing a vein of 2l2 to 3 inches thick
of a fair quality of coal. About the
middle of November, 1870, the Central
Pacific Railroad Company again took
mold of the matter in good earnest.
through their Superintendent and coal
expert, Mr.. Tompkins, VINO after
making Necessary and complete prep
arations, continued the work of pros
pecting with undated energy. The
point selected by Mr.. Tompkins for
the purpose OF prospecting is about
three-fourths of a mile to the south
east of Elko. where he erected a Dor
ing apparatus and commenced opera
tons. At the depth of 9 feet from
the surface, the first vein of coal was
penetrated, which was some pa feet
in thickness. The work was still cor
tinued. and upon reaching the depth
of $50 feet another vein of coal of fair
quality. 3l2feet in thickness, was de-
veloped. Notwithstanding these dis
coverieS the boring was continued,
under the firm belief that a still larger
vein and a better quality of coal would
ultimately be found. Such has proven
to be a fact by the discovery and de-
velopmeut, at a depth of $50 feet. of IA
splendid vein of "A feet in thickness
of the best quality of coal which has
been opened out of them. The speci-
mems shown us by the Superintendent
are superior TO the best Rocky Noun
tain coal. Many coal mining experts
that have examined the specimens de-
clare that the coal in question strongly
resembles the Cumberland coal, and
in their opinion is equally as good.
The vein runs southwest to northeast,
with Il dip or incline to the northwest.
Mr.. TompkIns went below yesterday
to report To the company his success.
Upon his return it is anticipated that
a large force will be put upon the
mine. The shining Black Diamond
that was brought to light last Thurs
day of this week made glad the hearts
of many of Ii citizens, and during
the day quite a number went over and
took a look at the mine. Beyond al
Question this development will add
much to the wealth and permanen,
prosperity of this town. We now SEE
the dawn of better days looming up i'll
the distance for Elko upon n solid and
substantial basis. We shall hereafter
refer to this subject more fully.-IElkC
independent, 18th.