St. Mary in the Mountains
The first Catholic church in Virginia City, built by Fr. Hugh Gallagher in 1860, blew down within two years of construction. Gallagher’s successor, Fr. Patrick Manogue, built its replacement. This structure was dedicated as St. Mary in the Mountains Church by Eugene O’Connell, Bishop of Grass Valley on July 17, 1864. Due to a massive influx of Irish immigrants to work the mines, a larger brick structure was constructed across the street, which O’Connell dedicated on November 20, 1870. This church burned in the Great Fire of 1875, but was rebuilt the following year. Typically seen in the 19th and 20th centuries, Gothic Revival showcases pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs and intricate trim.
