In part two, I will dive a little deeper into the history of this 1870s boom town, sparked by the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, the largest silver deposit ever discovered in the United States.
Part one may be seen here...
https://steemit.com/travel/@gypsydanger/virginia-city-nevada-time-stands-still
(Image thanks to city-data.com)
The California gold rush had occurred ten years before the Comstock Lode was discovered. At the time, silver and gold were equal in monetary value. Yes, equal. All production was purchased by the federal government. Not much later, in 1873, the federal government demonized silver. (Isn't that interesting, silver stackers?)
On October 26, 1875, Virginia City burned to the ground. Only 10% of the structures remained. 2000 were left homeless, "steel train wheels melted like butter," one man was quoted saying.
Rebuilding began immediately and that "rebuilt" town is the one you see today.
(Image credit to Wikipedia)
Another interesting fact, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) began his career here in Virginia City as a writer for one of the local newspapers. The book, Roughing It is set in and around Virginia City. It is said Clemens had been challenged to a duel by someone his editorial rubbed the wrong way. Clemens fled Virginia City, only to return briefly much later in life.
Today, only about 800 people live in Virginia City year round. The people I met there love their town. There are parades almost every week down main street for the high school, a local marriage, any event.. the town is very celebratory.
I had a fantastic time here.
This old cemetery was visible from the campground. I had to walk down there for a better look...
There are so many things I could tell you. So much I took away from this place. I hope I have inspired you to look into this beautiful old town yourself, or better yet, visit in person!
