You’ve heard of the Gold Rush. You’ve maybe even heard of the Comstock Lode. But have you heard of the penniless Scottish lass who headed west, and while running a boarding house, struck the richest silver mine in American history? Eilley Bowers became one of the country’s wealthiest women. But Fortune is fickle, and the West was Wild! Join Katie on location at Bowers Mansion near Carson City, Nevada for this surprising, cinematic tale. The Bowers Mansion website is a great resource for photos, videos, and more about the history of the home and its owner. And here’s a video tour of the entire home, narrated by Tammy Buzick, and some great video of the hike up to the cemetery behind the house. Our guest is Tammy Buzick, a native Nevadan who grew up in the Reno, Carson City area. After graduating from the University of Nevada Reno, she spent her entire career teaching math at Procter R. Hug High School in Reno. While in college, she wrote a research paper on Eilley Bowers. The curator told her most of what she had written was wrong, so she spent the next 30+ years researching the family and the mansion they built. When the mansion curator for 40 years retired in 2008, Buzick became the mansion caretaker. Music for this episode was provided by Half Pelican, Andy Reiner and Jon Sousa, and Chris Haugen. Used by permission. Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Donate here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices