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.
Fourth Ward School Museum | more This historic building erected in 1876 to house more than 1,000 students graduated its last class in 1936. Today, art exhibitions, oral history lectures and scholar-in-residence programs are available for visitors and residents.
LEC #1 Comstock Firemen's Museum/NV State Firemen’s Museum| more 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.
The Mackay Mansion| more 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.
Pipers Opera House| more 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.
St. Mary’s Art Center| more 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 more than 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.
St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church| more Virginia City is home to a number of beautiful churches reflective of the late 19th century culture. One such church is St. Mary 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.
Storey County Courthouse| more The Storey County Courthouse, built in 1876 after being destroyed in the great fire of 1875, is the state's oldest continuously operating courthouse. Built in the Italianate style, the two-story seat of government houses a two-tier jail, courtroom and large
iron-lined record vaults. The exterior facade is brick with details of ornate
iron.
The Way It Was Museum| more 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.
V.C. Radio Museum | more 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.
Virginia and Truckee (V&T) Railroad| more 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 daily trips back and forth between the two communities. 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.”
