Virginia City, Nevada is one of the most vibrant and distinctive historic western towns in the United States. It owes its fortune to the discovery of rich silver deposits in the mountains surrounding the small city, and after a period of decline, it is now one of the state’s main attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. When you visit Virginia City, you will take a real step back in time as you walk by the original historic buildings kept almost intact thanks to the inventiveness of its residents.
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Location and Directions
Virginia City is located in Nevada (thus not to be confused with Virginia City, Montana) halfway between Reno and Carson City, along the course of NV-342 near Mount Davidson.
History of Virginia City
Virginia City’s fortune and misfortune are tied to mining. In fact, in 1859 a silver deposit called Comstock Lode (named after the miner Henry Comstock who first made the discovery) was discovered on the slopes of Mount Davidson. The first houses and buildings to accommodate the miners who flocked to the area were built here within days and the town grew very quickly to create a small city of about 25,000 inhabitants.
The city’s golden age lasted until 1878, when the silver ran out and, consequently, the population began to decline. Virginia City can also boast that it was once home to one of the most famous people in U.S. history: we are talking about the famous writer Mark Twain, who worked for the local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, until 1865. Until recently there was also a museum dedicated to him, but it is currently closed. However, one can find evidence of his presence in many buildings and museums in the city.
Virginia City has not become a Ghost Town, since about 800 people live and work here today. The city is still alive and well and is trying to keep its historical traditions intact.
Things to Do in Virginia City
Here is an overview of the main attractions you can visit in Virginia City
C Street Attractions
A stroll along C Street is a must. It is the main artery that runs the length of Virginia City and is home to dozens of vintage antique stores, saloons, and attractions that will make you want to stop, take a picture, and go inside to take a look. To list them all would be almost impossible, so here is a quick list of those you definitely need to visit:
- Ponderosa Saloon: In addition to being a great place to eat, it also hides a real underground mine that can be visited on special tours. This place was also once the city’s bank, and you can also see the original vault as well as other various artifacts on display.
- Red Dog Saloon: Even before you walk inside, you can already sense the unmistakable atmosphere that can be felt in this historic establishment. You can also eat here, their pizzas are especially popular, and entertain with live music.
- The Way It Was Museum: This is one of the best places to discover the history of Virginia City and its mining. Photos, artifacts, historical reconstructions of how the mines were structured, period costumes, and a thorough overview of what the working conditions were like; in other words, it is a window to another world, into a time when this area evolved and became famous. The intricate scale model depicting all those underground tunnels found in this area is very impressive.
- Washoe Club Museum & Saloon: This is the oldest saloon in all of Virginia City and is also claimed to be one of the most “haunted” places in the Southwest. If you are particularly interested in this fact you can embark on a themed tour full of intrigue and mystery. This saloon was also known as the Millionaires Club since the wealthiest and most prominent men in town used to gather here on the second floor.
- Fourth Ward School Museum: Built in 1875, the former school has 4 floors and 14 classrooms that were able to accommodate more than a thousand students. It was a building that had a heating system and individual bathrooms, which were almost a luxury for the time. The history of the school followed that of the city, which at first rose to great prosperity and gradually declined. The school was finally abandoned in 1936 when the new school building was built. However, in 1986 the decision was made to preserve the school building and turn it into a museum. Today you can visit some of the classrooms with perfectly preserved photos and original furniture that give a very good idea of what daily life was like in a school in the late 1800s.
Virginia And Truckee Railroad (166 F St)
All those who love historic trains should definitely visit the city’s historic station and perhaps even take a scenic tour of the area thanks to the service that is still offered today. The rail line was opened in 1869 as the most efficient way to transport all the silver that was being mined in the area. During the peak years of mining, it is estimated that more than 40 trains per day ran on the route from Virginia City to Carson City. If you want to take a ride on this historic route, you can choose between two routes:
- Comstock Route: This is a short ride of about 35 minutes round trip that will take you to the nearby Gold Hill Train Depot where you can also visit the historic Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon.
- Carson Route: This is the longest route that takes you from Carson City to Virginia City in about an hour and a half. I recommended this option to those who are not in Virginia City but want to sightsee and return to Carson City the same day. On the other hand, if you are visiting nearby Lake Tahoe and want to combine a visit to Virginia City with a ride along the Comstock Route, you can check out the link below.
Mackay Mansion (291 S D St)
This is a lavish historic mansion built in 1859 that has been immaculately preserved takes you back in time to the golden years of Virginia City. The owner, John Mackay, was known to be a member of the so-called Silver Kings, a group that brought together the wealthiest men in the area, as well as the richest man in the city. Visitors today may be astonished by the lavish appearance of the mansion. Just imagine what it must have been like to visit this mansion in the late 1800s.
Like all historic mansions, the Mackay Mansion also has a reputation for being a haunted house. Specifically, it is said that the souls of two thieves who died here attempting to rob the house safe still wander restlessly in the meanders of the mansion. On the third floor, many also claim to have seen the ghosts of two little girls (named Lily and Emma) and to have felt their clothes being tugged on by a mysterious force. Even Johnny Depp, who spent a few nights in one of these rooms, claims to have seen a ghost, in the form of a little girl, sitting at the foot of his bed. If you are interested in paranormal events, or just curious, you can go on the various ghost tours in Virginia City.
Saint Mary In the Mountains (111 E St)
Erected in 1870, this church is unmistakable in the city skyline. It is the first Catholic church consecrated in Nevada and is still in operation today. It is possible to visit the interior of the church as well as its free museum, which reveals some interesting details about the history of Virginia City and Saint Mary’s.
There are countless stories, but the one worth mentioning is the story of the so-called Mad Monks. The story begins in 1950 when they wanted to renovate the church both spiritually and architecturally since they considered the Gothic style no longer suitable for modern times. To fulfill this need for change, Cistercian monks were summoned even from Wyoming, but they took this desire for renewal (especially architectural) a little too literally.
The original stained glass windows were completely destroyed as well as the choir section (also causing structural damage), and the earlier ornamental statues were replaced by more modern works of dubious taste. People soon expressed their displeasure over the monks’ work, and in 1959, a new priest was called to administer the church and he finally helped restore decorum to Saint Mary In the Mountains.
Piper’s Opera House (12 B St)
A city as wealthy and constantly expanding as Virginia City would not be complete without an entertainment venue. For this reason, an Opera House was built in 1863 and, in a short time, became one of the most famous theaters in the state and the entire nation.
In 1867, it took the name Piper’s Opera House, which it retains to this day, named after John Piper, a German immigrant who, after becoming one of the wealthiest men in the city because of his flair for business, wanted to buy the theater with the intention of making it the cultural landmark of the area. Of course, the building is also rumored to be haunted, but fortunately, the spirits do not bother visitors.
They merely attend the many events that take place within its premises. Even though Piper’s Opera House there may not be any performances scheduled on the day of your visit, you can still stop by for a tour of its premises or to have a beer at the Corner Bar and imagine what it might have been like to spend an evening here in Virginia City’s heyday.
Silver Terrace Cemetery (381 Cemetery Rd)
As you may have guessed, most buildings were constructed to show off the wealth and affluence of Virginia City. This was also true of its cemetery, which is one of the largest and most elaborate in the West. As was the custom at the time, the cemetery is divided into plots of land according to the race and social class to which the deceased person belonged. The part where the wealthiest inhabitants of Virginia City were buried can be recognized at once by the fences around the graves, the elaborate headstones, and the exotic vegetation that would not otherwise be found in this part of the world.
If most of the city’s historic homes are claimed to be haunted, wouldn’t the city’s cemetery also be? Of course! In fact, ghost tours are also available here if you are interested.
Nearby Attractions
The closest and most popular attraction is the beautiful Lake Tahoe, which can be reached in less than an hour (of course, a lot depends on where on the lake you want to go), which makes it easy to visit on a day trip. But a short distance from here is also one of the most curious attractions in the United States, or perhaps I should say one of the most original nations on earth. In fact, the Republic of Molossia can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car. For those who do not know, it is a self-proclaimed republic that was established in 1995 by Kevin Baugh who dreamed of founding a micronation since he was a child. You can take tours accompanied by the president himself (by reservation only). However, if you are wondering, you cannot apply for citizenship.
Where to Stay in Virginia City
In a predominantly tourist city like Virginia City, there are many hotel accommodations to choose from. Here are a few options at good prices:
Otherwise, you can take a look at all the possibilities in and around the city by clicking on the link below.
