Today, Virginia City’s historical buildings continue to reflect the wealth of the 19th century mining town. The mines of the Comstock Lode yielded more than $400 million in gold and silver. These riches were so great, they actually funded the building of San Francisco.
In its heyday, Virginia City was “the place” for arts and culture--visiting celebrities, Shakespearean theater, two newspapers (one of which is where Mark Twain began his famous writing career) and a cultured opera house. Today, this historical culture is available for all visitors to enjoy. Additionally, Storey County prides itself on offering numerous activities and events throughout the year along with a multitude of museums, restaurants and shops. And, for those who enjoy the outdoors, Storey County offers limitless opportunities for hiking, camping, horseback riding, 4-wheeling and bicycling. The following are a few of the most popular tourist attractions in Storey County.
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Historic education and art programs are available at the Fourth Ward School. This historic building was erected in 1876 for the area’s 1,000 school-aged children. Today, art exhibitions, oral history lectures and scholar-in-residence programs are available for visitors and residents to partake in.
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Founded in 1979 by Virginia City’s volunteer Fire Department, this museum displays 19th-century firefighting equipment. Liberty Engine Company No. 1 is still an operating volunteer firefighting unit.
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This museum was built in 1860 as the headquarters of the Gould & Curry Mining Company Office and later purchased by John Mackay, one of the “Silver Kings.” It includes mining artifacts, original furnishings and Tiffany silver.
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The Nevada Gambling Museum features more than half-a-million dollars worth of gaming memorabilia, including over 100 antique slot machines, cheating devices, and gamblers' weapons.
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Built in 1885 and still in use, Piper's Opera House has recently undergone extensive restoration. This stage once welcomed President Grant, Buffalo Bill, Al Jolson, and Mark Twain. Plus, viewers of shows at Piper’s Opera House can keep their eye out for the ghosts who are said to attend many of the performances.
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Built in 1876, the St. Mary’s Art Center was originally established as the St. Mary Louise Hospital by the Sisters of Charity and Bishop Patrick Manogue. The 36 room hospital included five wards and 12 private rooms that could accommodate upwards of 70 patients. Today, the art center operates year round offering lodging and art instruction. Class offerings include watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, photography and other artistic media.
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Virginia City is home to a number of beautiful churches reflective of the late 19th century culture. One such church is St. Mary’s in the Mountains, arguably the most prominent historical structure and institution in Virginia City. The church was rebuilt by Bishop Manogue following the Great Fire of 1875. Today, the church holds weekly mass and also features a museum displaying numerous church artifacts and photographs.
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The Storey County Courthouse, built in 1876 after being destroyed in the great fire of 1875, is the state's oldest continuously operating courthouse. The courthouse boasts one of the few Lady of Justice’s in the country which is not blindfolded. Storey County chose not blindfold her to communicate to its citizens that justice was, and continues to be, not blind here.
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This museum displays the most complete collection of Comstock mining artifacts in the world as well as rare photos, lithographs and maps of the "Bonanza" period.
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If radios are your passion, you must plan on visiting the Radio Museum, located in the Parish House at 109 South “F” Street. This museum is home to numerous antique and vintage radios which are displayed in chronological order with a description of the radio and its significance in radio history. You’ll also enjoy viewing a large collection of radio personality photographs including original, signed posters.
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Currently, visitors can board a 35-minute train ride through the heart of the historic Comstock mining region. This railroad is undergoing a $30 million expansion—one of the most exciting additions to the area in a number of years. Within the next few years, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad will connect Carson City to Virginia City offering multiple trips back and forth between the two communities each and every day. Upon completion, visitors can board the historic railway in Carson City and arrive in Virginia City the way folks used to “back in the day”.
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