| 词源 |
Comstock lode. A Nevada sheepherder and prospector named Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock first laid claim to the Comstock lode that bears his name. In 1859, Old Pancake, as he was known, had taken possession of a cabin belonging to other prospectors who had discovered the lode but had died tragically before filing their claim. Comstock filed his claim, but he later sold all his rights for a pittance and the Virginia City mine became the world’s richest known silver deposit, producing $20 million to $30 million annually at its peak and making great fortunes for many a “silver king.” Virginia City mushroomed to 40,000 inhabitants and anyone associated with the mines, hopeful prospector or millionaire, was called a comstocker. |