Virginia City
State: Montana
County: Madison County
Founded: 1863
Peak Population: 5,000+
Virginia City grew from the Alder Gulch gold strike (May 1863)—one of the richest in history. It was Montana's territorial capital 1865-1875. Sheriff Plummer's gang was formed here before the Vigilance Committee hanged them. The Bovey family preserved it as a 'living ghost town' in the 1940s-50s.
Quick Facts
- The Vigilance Committee was formed here on December 23, 1863
- Not built on gold gravel, so structures survived dredging
- Montana's territorial capital 1865-1875
- The Boveys saved it from disappearing in the 1940s
Location
Address: Virginia City, Madison County, Montana
Coordinates: 45.2936, -111.9419