Visit Virginia City For A Range Of Activities

الخميس، 28 فبراير 2019

By Betty Graham


A silver mine, 19th century Opera House, museums and the supposedly haunted Washoe Club are all part of places and points of interest representing the history of this area. When you visit Virginia City you can wander along the wooden sidewalks, stop at a historically accurate saloon or take a ride on a steam engine. You might want to schedule a tour through reportedly haunted premises. At one time this community was ranked as one of the more important industrial centers in the Western United States.

History of the Comstock Lode

Virginia City is located 'day-trip distance' from Reno. The Comstock Lode is the principle for the establishment of the town originally. The Comstock was the location of the fist major silver mines in the United States. The California Gold Rush died out as more miners went to Nevada to take out more than $500 million in gold and silver from the veins under Mt. Davidson's Eastern Slope. Miner Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock was known as 'Old Pancake' and was a major figure in the area, although his wealth did not last. At its peak in the 1870s, the population of the two cities, Virginia City and Gold Hill reached 25,000.

Chollar Mine and Mansion

In 1862-1864, Billy Chollar of Chollar Potosi Mine commissioned the building of a Victorian Italianate-style residence which also served as the headquarters of Chollar Mining Company. Of interest, in addition to the architectural features, the structure includes a 164-square foot arched vault which held millions of dollars worth of gold and silver bullion.

Museums Of Interest

There are several museums which are part of historical displays in Virginia City. Most have a Western or a mining theme, but there is also the Fourth Ward School Museum, the Marshall Mint and the Comstock Firemen's Museum. Visitors may also enjoy the Mackay Mansion Museum. With nearly a dozen places such as these, a single day in the area is not long enough to see all there is to see.

Ghostly Tours and Haunted Structures

Although haunted houses are not everyone's cup of tea, Virginia City claims several locations where there have been reports of ghostly steps, sounds and other manifestations. If you have an interest in such events, you can choose to spend the night in some of the more common ghostly habitations. Reports of such sightings come at the Silver Queen Hotel, The Silver Terrace Cemetery, The Washoe Club and The Gold Hill Hotel and Miner's Cabin.

Arts and Culture

A premier performance venue for 150 years is found at the Piper's Opera House. Since 1885, and continuing to the present, the venue is a significant vintage theater.

Famous Residents And Visitors

During the height of its influence, the town was visited by many of the celebrities of the day. Some of the notables included President Ulysses S. Grant, Buffalo Bill, Al Jolson and Mark Twain over the years. A relatively recent resurgence in the draw of the town occurred with the airing of the long-running Western television series, Bonanza, set in the area.




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