Join the Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity in their journey to preserve and restore history at the Sutro Tunnel & Site.
About the Sutro Tunnel
History
Preserving the Past
The Sutro Tunnel was conceived and built by Adolph Sutro, a Prussian immigrant and entrepreneur. He proposed the tunnel to drain water from the Comstock Mines, improve ventilation, reduce costs, and protect miners’ lives.
Completed in stages, it connected to the Savage Mine in 1878 and all Comstock mines by 1879, releasing its first water
The Sutro Tunnel was conceived and built by Adolph Sutro, a Prussian immigrant and entrepreneur. He proposed the tunnel to drain water from the Comstock Mines, improve ventilation, reduce costs, and protect miners’ lives.
Completed in stages, it connected to the Savage Mine in 1878 and all Comstock mines by 1879, releasing its first water that year. The tunnel stretches 3.88 miles from Dayton to Virginia City.
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
The Friends of Sutro Tunnel are restoring the Sutro Tunnel & Site to preserve an important part of Nevada’s mining history while making it safe and accessible to visitors.
Phase One is underway and focuses on site cleanup, stabilizing remaining structures, and reopening the Sutro Tunnel.
Join the Journey
Join the Journey
The Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the Sutro Tunnel site.
Support is welcome through volunteering, research, and hands-on help. Click below to learn how to get involved in our restoration and educational efforts.
Visit The Sutro Site
How to Visit the Sutro Site
Learn the authentic history of Adolph Sutro, the surrounding town of Sutro, NV and, of course, see the iconic Sutro Tunnel in person.
Special Events
The Sutro Tunnel Site is an amazing backdrop for one-of-a-kind events and experiences in Northern Nevada. See what unique events are happening next or book your own.
Published Works
Such is the Life of a Prospector
Such is the Life of a Prospector
Such is the Life of a Prospector
Available on Amazon
Available as a book or Kindle!
Before Adolph Sutro could complete his great work, the Sutro Tunnel, he had to win the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of the people invested in the Comstock Lode. He knew that a drainage adit would solve all the problems facing the Comstock mines, just as it had been done worldwide. His greatest difficulty wasn't convincing them of the need for such a thing but overcoming the objections of the bankers that controlled nearly the entirety of the mines. The Sutro Tunnel would cut the bank's profits and help the miners. Neither of which William Sharon nor William Ralston wanted to happen. Learn from Adolph Sutro's own words the benefits that the tunnel gave to the Comstock and what the banks were really up to during the exciting time of the great Comstock Lode and Virginia City's Bonanza days. Audio is also available on our website https://thesutrotunnel.org/
1884 Annual Report
Such is the Life of a Prospector
Such is the Life of a Prospector
Now available on Amazon
Annual Report of the Sutro Tunnel Company 1884, The Friends of Sutro Tunnel are not only restoring the Sutro Tunnel and Site. They are also working to share the history of the Sutro Tunnel Company.
