Donovan Mill

Donovan Mill 30-Stamp Mill.

The stamp mill is located in Silver City, Nevada, on the historic Comstock Lode.  It sits on the foundation of the Kelsey Mill, 1861-1878. The Dazet 10 Stamp Mill, built in 1890, is still located within the Donovan Mill structure.  The Donovan Family expanded the Mill to a 30 Stamp Mill by installing 20-stamps in 1937 which were moved from the Rock Point Mill in Dayton, Nevada. The Donovan Mill operated until 1959! It represents the last operating mill from the over 200 legacy Comstock Mills.  The Comstock Foundation purchased the Mill in 2014 and began a preservation and restoration project that saved the Mill from inevitable collapse.

In 2025 tours were offered by appointment, and today summer tours are scheduled when 2 batteries of stamps are operated, in addition to a 10-stamp rotary. The tour focuses on the History of the site and the Comstock Lode, the process of milling, mercury vs. cyanide use, and the preservation efforts of the Comstock Foundation.

Other Equipment on Site - A machine shop with belt driven equipment, a 55hp Ingersoll-Rand oil engine, and 3 forges used by blacksmithing classes. A storage room has been converted to a lecture room with displays and photos, with history presentations scheduled throughout the year. The original office has displays, a gift shop, specimen collection and a vault.

Hours of Operation - We are open for tours on Tuesdays, during the Volunteer work day. Scheduled “Stamp Run Days” are listed on the Comstock Foundation website. Private tours can be arranged by the website contact form.

Visit the Web for tours - at https://www.comstockfoundation.org/

Mailing Address – Comstock Foundation, PO Box 61, Virginia City, NV  89440

Location - The Donovan Mill is located at 900 Main Street in Silver City, Nevada. From Carson City take Hwy 50 East to Mound House, left on Hwy 341 towards Virginia City. Keep straight at the truck route, which becomes Hwy 342. You will see the wooden tanks and corrugated metal buildings on the right and you have arrived at the mill.