Drummer-
I don't know highway marker number, but if you make it to the Carson City mint coin show this August I would be more that happy to hook up with you and show you the spot. Or sometime when you plan to visit the area perhaps we can set something up. From what I have heard, the tunnel has caved in at several spots and is no longer functionable. As you stated by the time the tunnel was completed, the mines were already deeper that the tunnel's level of intersection. It was too long that the air was already stagnent by the time it arrived to the mines so it didn't serve too well as ventilation. It did transport ore and supplies to and from the mines but did little business as the Virginia and Truckee Railroad had that business already sewed up. Sutro was a brillant man, however, seeing the writting on the wall, right after completion, he sold out his interest for nearly $1,000,000, moved to San Francisco and invested in real estate, became mayor if San Fran and, as you said, died in 1898, a very rich man. I too, would very much like to visit the site of Sutro, but as you also said, it is private property and I wouldn't even know where to begin to seek out premission. I do know a good spot to view the entrance, if interested, let me know and we'll hook it up.
-Randy-
