History - Modern Marvels : Silver Mines

While silver has been used for decoration and ornament since ancient times,it was not until the discovery of the Comstock Lode near Virginia City, Nevada that it played an important role in the economy of a nation. In its first 25 years of operation, theComstock Lode produced $300 million of gold and silver ore. Money from the Comstock helped the Union win the CivilWar, secured statehood for Nevada, and made millionaires of many men. MODERNMARVELS traces the remarkable story of this "mother lode" thatspurred the development of vast improvements in mining technology and safety. Go beneath the earth to see firsthand the innovations in drilling, ventilation, drainage and processing that transformed the mining industry into a modern operation. Meet themen who have spent their lives in the mines, and get an up-close look at a modern mining operation.