Virginia City’s emergence as a community began in 1859 with the first major discovery of silver on the eastern slope of northern Nevada’s Mount Davidson. The “Comstock Lode” as the find was named, was the first major discovery of silver in the United States, and was soon overrun with miners eager to make their fortunes. Merchants, barkeeps, hotel builders and the like shortly followed, quickly turning this isolated area into the boomtown known as Virginia City. Many fortunes were made here, and many of the wealthy decided to stay and build homes. In fact, the town was awash in money and cheap clapboard construction was used only for miner’s shacks, whereas “main street’ and many large manor homes were sturdily built of brick – a prime reason why much of “old” Virginia City survives nearly intact today.The mines began to fade production-wise in the 1870’s and by the late 1890’s the town’s population had declined from a peak of some 30,000 to less than 2,000. Enough people stayed to prevent Virginia City from becoming a forlorn “Ghost Town” as had so many other once prosperous mining towns of the Western and Southwestern United States. Additionally, the sturdy buildings that remained were to eventually turn Virginia City into the popular tourist attraction it has since become, and the largest designated historic landmark in the ountry.
Attracting some 2 million visitors a year, Virginia City offers one the opportunity to walk the streets of a famed mining town of the fabled “ Old West,” the same streets walked by a young reporter named Samuel Clemens who, when employed by Virginia City’s local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise in 1863, first used the pen name of “Mark Twain.” The third office of the Territorial Enterprise, built in 1876- the year after a disastrous Virginia City fire that severely damaged the city- can still be viewed along with its original steam press, the first of its kind ever used in Nevada.
Among the many other buildings of interest to be seen in Virginia City are:
- The 1860’s mansion of Comstock millionaire John MacKay, containing many of the original furnishing imported from Europe, Tiffany silver and mining artifacts.
- The Nevada Gambling Museum displays feature antique slot machines, gamblers weapons and cheating devices in an exhibit of gambling devices and equipment commonly in use in western frontier towns.
- Piper’s Opera House is one of the most significant vintage theatres in the U.S. and is listed by the League of Historic Theatres. Built in the 1880’s, the opera house attracted many outstanding musical artists from both Europe and America.
- The Bullette Red Light Museum is not for the kiddies. This display offers an informative view into the lifestyle of notorious Virginia City prostitute Julia C. Bullette, along with vintage erotica and displays of antique medical equipment.
- A 20-minute 2-1/2 mile guided tour through Virgina City aboard an old-fashioned trolley points out various structures and offers informative narration relative to the City’s colorful past.
A trip to Virginia City is an informative and enjoyable way to relive America’s colorful western frontier history. For your guidance, tour times and fees to view attractions vary. For further information regarding Virginia City attractions, places to stay, etc. contact the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority at: Tel: 775-847-7500 or Fax: 775-847-7507.