Saloons with swinging doors, wooden boardwalk sidewalks, tales of gold and silver riches discovered in the local mines, and even a ‘gunfight’ (with actors) —this is Virginia City, Nevada. Located just a 45-minute drive from Reno, it’s like you stepped on to a film set for a wild west cowboy movie. In fact, exterior shots for the historic TV show Bonanza were filmed in the area.
Going back in time
Virginia City is like stepping back to the 1800’s. This is the site of the largest gold and silver discovery in North America called the Comstock Lode. Gold was discovered in the area in 1850, and a modest mining community developed, but it was the discovery of silver in 1859 which led to one of the greatest mining booms in history as the population grew to an estimated 30,000 people.
Take a 45-minute ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in restored rail cars
At one time it was the most important industrial cities between Denver and San Francisco. The railroad became famous as the cars hauled millions of dollars in gold, silver and ore from the mines. Today you can take a 45-minute ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in restored rail cars where you will travel through a historic tunnel, view the entrance to the mine and marvel at gold rush stories told by the informative guide. Like the story of how the town’s main street was literally paved in silver before the townsfolk discovered that that blueish black muck they dumped on their streets was actually heavily oxidized pure silver.
The Ponderosa Saloon Guided Mine Tour
Dressed in a top hat and tails in honour of the town’s Victorian heritage, Todd Tuttle, Tourism Director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, met me outside of the Ponderosa Saloon. Visitors everywhere had their cell phones out and were snapping photos of Todd as well as the old-time ‘gunfighters’.
At The Ponderosa Saloon, visitors can get a unique, first-hand experience into the life of a mine worker on the Ponderosa Saloon Guided Mine Tour. At the back of the saloon is the entrance to the dark tunnels leading to the original mine shaft. You will see the tools miners used to dig by hand and then the lights go out so you will get a feel for the cold, dark atmosphere in which hundreds of miners toiled day after day.
Silver linings
“Events that happened here had ramifications all over the world. The silver purchased from Virginia City was used to help purchase the ammunition for the Civil War,” says Todd Tuttle. “People have heard about the gold rush and the TV show Bonanza and are surprised to discover that Virginia City is a real place. The ‘Bonanza effect’ attracts visitors from all over the world.”
Comstock Load is named after Henry Comstock who told people he had claim to the land where the gold and silver was discovered and charged 10% of any gold or silver found on the property. It turns out he didn’t hold the land claim after all!
At the Delta Saloon, Tuttle points out the photos of ‘Silver Kings” –four Irish immigrants who helped grow the town and went on to achieve great fame and fortune. Another notable resident of Virginia City is writer Mark Twain who began his career here as a reporter for the local paper.
“We also had a hippie era and people like Janis Joplin performed at the Red Dog Saloon,” adds Tuttle.
Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost Tour
It seems that Virginia City also has its share of ghosts! A fun way to learn the stories behind the apparent sightings is to take the Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost Tour. Another fun experience includes watching the annual Camel Races at the local fairgrounds—yes camels. They were used to haul salt and heavy loads during the gold rush. When the gold rush ended, many camels were left in the region to roam wild. You are more likely to see the wild ponies and horses during the drive from Reno to Virginia City with several signs indicating their existence.
Spectacular road trip from Reno
The road from Reno to Virginia City is an experience in itself. With more twists and turns than a Chubby Checker hit, the road hugs the side of the Sierra Nevada mountains and thankfully has pullovers for drivers like me who want to slow down and enjoy the journey through this majestic region to one of the most unique and interesting towns this travel writer has visited.
For more information on Virginia City: visit visitvirginiacitynv.com
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch
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