Virginia City: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Virginia City is a historic mining town located in Storey County, Nevada. Founded in 1859 following the discovery of the Comstock Lode, one of the largest silver deposits ever found, the city rapidly grew into a booming mining center. During its peak in the 1870s, Virginia City was one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and a significant hub of the American West.

The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its well-preserved Victorian architecture, historic saloons, and numerous museums. Many of the original 19th-century buildings still stand today, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a bustling mining town during the silver rush era. The city played a crucial role in Nevada's early development and was where Samuel Clemens first used his pen name Mark Twain while working as a reporter for the local Territorial Enterprise newspaper.

Today, Virginia City serves as both a National Historic Landmark and a living museum, maintaining much of its 19th-century character and charm.