Virginia City, NV

Address:Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City, Nevada is a living ghost town. Local residents of the historic mining town will tell you that it is one of America's Largest Historical Landmarks, that legends like Mark Twain once roamed the streets, and that it used to be the richest place on Earth. The residents' pride is well-founded ,as Virginia City is the largest federally designated National Historical District in America, and has been well-maintained since its most popular days in the 1870s in order to keep the tourists coming. It was once the richest gold-producing area in the United States, which brought more residents to the main area well-known as "Comstock." However, as the economy worsened after the "Great Fire" of 1875, gold mining decreased, despite claims that gold resources still remain abundant. Today about 1,200 people reside in Virginia City, who base their economy on tourism and small mining activity. It is clear to us, that the richest aspect of Virginia City is now its colorful history.

The main recreational activity in Virginia City is re-living the bygone era, which can be done by visiting several historical sites and museums. Of interest to tourists are the Cornstock Firemen's Museum, which is open daily and offers a collection of antique fire fighting equipment, the Grant's General Store and Free Museum, the Julia Bulette Red Light Museum, named after Virginia City's most famous "saloon lady," the Territorial Enterprise Mark Twain Museum, which features a desk used by author Mark Twain, the Fourth Ward School Museum, which displays old classrooms from the late 1800s, the Marshall Mint and Museum, a private collection of minerals and minted coins, the Radio Museum of Virginia City, which displays antique radio equipment, the Nevada Gambling Museum, and the Way it Was Museum, a collection of the town's mining artifacts. Tourists can also visit a large historic mansion, the "Castle," the old Storey County Courthouse, the old Piper's Opera House, and the Silver Terrace Cemeteries. Other fun activities include the Chollar and Saloon mine tours and the Crystal Bar, an old saloon which fronted as an ice cream parlor during the alcohol prohibition of the 1920s. The Crystal was always a favorite place for locals, and it has undergone many changes along with the town, including renovations after the "Great Fire." What does remain, however, are the stunning chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, and the "Mystery Clock."

Be aware that there is very little to do in town after 5:30, when most museums and tours close. You could say that Virginia City really does become a ghost town after dark. However, during daylight hours, plenty of seasonal events keep the town alive and entertaining. In the summer, exciting gunfire exhibitions occur on the second Saturday of every month. Other events include the Mountain Oyster Fry, Comstock Historical Preservation Week "Fire on the Comstock," "Fastest Gun Alive" National Fast Draw Championship, Civil War Encampment Reenactment, International Camel Races, Virginia City Commemoration of the Great Fire of 1875, "The Only Veteran's Parade in Nevada," and Christmas on the Comstock Parade of Lights.

There are many ways to get around town in Virginia City. A&M Horse Drawn Carriage Rides offers tours of the town daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, Detours Historical Walking Tours offers daily walking or driving tours, with group rates available. And the Virginia City Tram Tour guides tourists through town on a 20-minute ride, departing every half hour. Also, the Virginia & Truckee RR offers narrated 35-minute train rides between Virginia City and Gold Hill. The Visitors Center at Virginia City welcomes guests with an organized tourist department, and recommends that guests prepare for their visit by first checking out some history books at the local Mark Twain Bookstore.

As Virginia City is a small town, there are a handful of cozy bed-and-breakfasts available for overnight accommodations, as well as the option to park and sleep at the Virginia City RV Park. The Chollar Mansion Bed-and-Breakfast is a recommended favorite place to stay, featuring spacious suites decorated by 1800s antique furnishings and a Victorian breakfast.

Virginia City is located in western Nevada at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 23 miles southeast of Reno and Interstate 80. It is not a far drive along U.S. Route 50, 15 miles from Carson City or 40 miles from Lake Tahoe.