Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Virginia City, NV
Year Listed: 2009 Located only 23 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, the historic mining boomtown of Virginia City provides unique insights into the spirit of the Old West . The town—steeped in silver and gold rush lore—is packed with the history that turned pioneers into millionaires. Today, the town's mines, mansions, saloons and museums provide a glimpse into the storied past of American frontier life, capturing the allure that once fueled western expansion. Founded with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, Virginia City had so many millionaires that the town was called the "richest place on earth." At the peak of its glory, Virginia City was a boisterous town and men came from everywhere to claim their fortune. The spirit of these characters still inhabits the mansions they built, the saloons they frequented and the main street they roamed. Part of the Comstock National Historic District, Virginia City has successfully maintained its historic fabric, providing tourists with a true Victorian-era experience. Today, many mansions, such as the Castle, the Mackay and the Savage, stand as monuments to the opulence of life on the Comstock. Board sidewalks line the streets and wooden false-front buildings house quaint specialty shops of all kinds. Sounds of country and Dixieland jazz waft through the swinging doors of the C Street saloons, including The Delta, which first opened in 1863, and the lively Bucket of Blood across the street. The town is also home to the restored Virginia and Truckee Railroad, which now runs a tourist steam train through mining districts showcasing ore extraction and processing equipment. Historic street lighting, horse drawn carriages, trolleys, mine tours and costumed docents all bring back the ambience of a bygone era. Many of Virginia City’s attractions are within walking distance of the town center. Historic churches, scores of 19th-century homes and a variety of museums unlock Nevada’s rich mining heritage. In addition, visitors can also see the desk where Mark Twain once worked as a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise or take a walking tour of the Liveliest Ghost Town in the West. Like many mining towns, Virginia City was impossibly sited on the steep slopes of Mt. Davidson. The twisting roads to nearby Reno and Carson City offer spectacular trips through time and some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. Interested in visiting Virginia City? Check out their Convention & Tourism Authority.
Visitors can experience the Old West by walking down C Street which features board sidewalks in front of restored 1876 buildings. These buildings house restaurants, specialty shops, museums, and saloons.
Credit: Christof Eichin Gold Rush
Back in Time
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by steve at: May 27, 2009
Nothing can beat a cold beer at the Blood and Guts Saloon! The town is a cool place to visit, Brings a smile whenever I think of it
Submitted by corkiek at: February 8, 2009
Love the old time feeling and visiting the Territorial Enterprise site. Lively old historical town, with lovely scenery
Submitted by Linda at: February 3, 2009
My husband and I vacationed in Sparks, Nevada several years ago. The highlight of the vacation was the day trip to Virginia City. Given our age (hmmmm) we had to go for the memories of seeing the TV show "Bonanza," in which Virginia City was the home town. We were not disappointed! Getting there, through the mountains, was some of the prettiest scenery you will ever see. When you get to Virginia City - you are compelled to walk the streets and soak up the spirit of the West. I just knew Hoss Cartwright (my favorite) would walk out of the Sheriff's office at any moment. There is also plenty to see around Virginia City and not too far away. My favorite was the Genoa Courthouse Museum in Genoa. Genoa is the first settlement in Nevada and it has fascinating stories about people, Snowshoe Thompson, who made sacrifices for the good of the community. Virginia City is definitely a Destination City, it will give you a sense of can do spirit in adverse times.
Submitted by Jimmy Bludso at: January 13, 2009
A tour through St. Mary's in the Mountains is to relive and revive the evolution of spirituality and culture in the American West. Not only are the paintings, antiques and precious metal artifacts reflective of the "richest city in the world" and the "most valuable deposit of silver ever found on any continent in history," but they "sing" of the personalities and spirituality of personalities that forged this great land of ours. April 18, 1977, Pope John Paul II was quoted as saying "The Church's age-old concern for the promotion of the arts and a sound humanistic culture is closely linked to her universal spiritual mission. She is convinced that beauty, particularly the beauty which is the fruit of human artistic creativity, is a clear expression of mankind's highest aspirations and a manifestation of the glory of God, the transcendent Author of all truth and goodness." The collections of the Virginia City Mountain Museum represents the Church's immense contribution to our cultural heritage, but also, and more importantly, they manifest the inspiration of which the Gospel continues to offer to contemporary artists and to all who see in their works a reflection of that divine beauty which is "ever ancient and ever new." (St. Augustine, Confessions, X, 27). Dear friends, your patronage enables the St. Mary's in the Mountain's Museum to offer a unique witness to these spiritual values as it opens its doors each day to visitors from widely differing backgrounds and from every part of the world. With deep appreciation for your effort to further the work of the Museum, we cordially invoke upon you and your families God's blessings of joy and peace.
Submitted by Deborah at: January 13, 2009
A walk through the pioneer graveyard of Virginia is a must see. A chance to take a stroll back in time and connect with the law abiding and not so law abiding citzens of Virginia City. Also treat yourself to the Mark Twain living history presentation at the Virginia City Opera House.