Virginia City
State: Nevada
County: Storey County
Founded: 1859
Peak Population: 25,000
Virginia City was built on the Comstock Lode—America's first major silver strike (1859). It financed the Civil War, made Nevada a state, and built San Francisco. At peak: 25,000 residents, a 6-story hotel with the first elevator west of Chicago. Now a 'living ghost town' with 1M annual visitors.
Quick Facts
- Comstock Lode wealth helped finance the Union in Civil War
- Had first elevator west of Chicago
- Key factor in Nevada statehood (1864)
- Over 1 million tourists visit annually
Location
Address: Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada
Coordinates: 39.3096, -119.6497