History of Virginia City, Nevada, USA

The first serious prospecting in the Virginia City- Gold Hill area occurred as early as 1850, and a mining camp existed in Gold Canyon continuously from 1851.
The story of the water supply for the Comstock: including the towns of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City, Nevada, together with other water-related events for the period 1859-1969
Front Cover
Hugh A. Shamberger, Nevada. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
U.S. Geological Survey; for sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1972

1855 - Comstock silver boom begins in Nevada

The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

Founded in 1859, Virginia City quickly became world famous for its extraordinary prosperity.
"Founded in 1859, Virginia City quickly became world famous for its extraordinary prosperity. Over the next two decades, the mines of 'the Richest City on Earth' yielded millions in gold and silver. The newly wealthy built mansions and churches, opera houses and schools, with furniture, fashions, and entertainment imported from Europe and the Far East..."
A Short History of Virginia City by Ronald M. James, Susan A. James, 2014

About Virginia City
"...Virginia City became famous and has remained famous for many reasons. Probably foremost is the fact that it was the greatest producer of silver and gold high-grade ore in history. The recorded production of the Comstock district to 1957 was $393,963,725 in silver and gold, 10 the silver portion being about 58 percent of the total. This production figure was probably greatly exceeded, as there was a large unrecorded production in the early days. Another reason for Virginia City's fame is the large number of people who were associated with the development of the Comstock who later became famous ; men such as John W. Mackay, James G. Fair, Adolph Sutro, Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain), James C. Flood, W. S. O'Brien, William Sharon, D. O. Mills, and H. M. Yerington, to name only a few..."

The story of the water supply for the Comstock: including the towns of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City, Nevada, together with other water-related events for the period 1859-1969

Hugh... Read MORE...

In the fall of 1859, Virginia City had a population of between two and three hundred.
The story of the water supply for the Comstock: including the towns of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City, Nevada, together with other water-related events for the period 1859-1969
Front Cover
Hugh A. Shamberger, Nevada. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
U.S. Geological Survey; for sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1972

1863 - Samuel Clemens begins reporting for the Territorial Enterprise (newspaper in Virginia City). He begins using the name Mark Twain.

A Short History of Virginia City by Ronald M. James, Susan A. James, 2014

Read more about Samuel Langhorne (A.K.A. Mark Twain) CLEMENS

1895 - Virginia City
Virginia City, the commercial metropolis of Nevada, and the capital of Storey co., is situated among rocky ledges and ravines on the eastern slope of Mount Davidson, 15 miles N.N.E. of Carson City, about 200 miles in a direct line N.E. of San Francisco, and 12 miles S. of the Central Pacific Railroad. It is 6205 feet above the level of the sea, and near lat. 39° 22' N. and lon. 119° 35' W. It is a terminus of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which connects with the Central Pacific Railroad at Reno. The principal streets are level, having been in many places graded through the solid native rock. The business streets are lined with substantial stone and brick buildings, some of which are 5 stories high. The environs are adorned with many beautiful and costly residences. The city is supplied with good light, and with spring water conveyed through the streets in pipes. It contains a court-houses, 4 churches, 2 theatres, a branch of the banking-house of Wells, Fargo & Co., several... Read MORE...

1916 - Virginia City
"Virginia City, a banking city, the capital of Storey co., Nev., is situated among rocky ledges and ravines on the eastern slope of Mount Davidson, 12 miles NE. of Carson City, on the Virginia and Truckee R. Elevation, 6205 feet. The city is well built and has a number of public buildings (court-house, Miners' Union, Library), and the environs are adorned with beautiful and costly residences. The city owes its importance to its gold and silver-mines, especially the famous Comstock Ledge (or Lode), discovered in 1859, and the Big Bonanza, or Consolidated Virginia, which were for a long time among the richest producers in the United States. It is estimated that the output from the Comstock mine has reached nearly $475,000,000. Pop. in 1870, 7048; in 1880, 10,917; in 1890, 8511; in 1900, 2695."

Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities,... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Virginia City, Nevada:
Virginia City Historic District: Start your journey by exploring the heart of Virginia City, the historic district. Stroll along the wooden boardwalks, admire the well-preserved 19th-century buildings, and soak in the Old West ambiance.

Mark Twain Museum: Visit the Mark Twain Museum at the Territorial Enterprise building where the famous author and humorist Mark Twain worked as a journalist. You can learn about his time in Virginia City and his early writing career.

The Way It Was Museum: Discover the town's history in this excellent museum, which features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that showcase the life and times of Virginia City during its mining boom era.

Silver Queen Hotel: Spend a night at the historic Silver Queen Hotel. Built in 1876, it's said to be haunted, adding a touch of spookiness to your stay. Even if you don't stay here, visit the Silver Queen Saloon for a drink.

Comstock Gold Mill: Learn about the town's mining heritage by taking a tour of the... Read MORE...