“Off C Street” Itinerary

Visitors to historic Virginia City often get “stuck” on C Street, the town’s main drag. While there are many unique shops, saloons and restaurants that line C Street, there is so much more to discover in this mountain mining town. Here are a few ideas for exploring Virginia City “Off C Street.”

The only operating gold stamp mill in the country, this two‐stamp mill was built in 1860 in San Francisco. During a guided tour, guests can see the machine in action, processing raw ore through to recovery.

Location: Corner of E and Union Streets
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children
Hours: May – October, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Originally built in 1873 as a hospital and orphanage, this building has a long history on the Comstock. At the time of its construction, Virginia City was a booming metropolis of mining industry, so the hospital was in high demand. After the population decreased and could no longer support the hospital, the building sat derelict until 1964, when it was reopened as an art and retreat center. Today, many art classes are offered throughout the year. Paranormal tours of the old psyche ward are given by appointment.

Location: 55 R Street
Cost: Donations accepted
Hours: May – October, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

www.stmarysartcenter.org

*private events can effect regular operating hours. Please call ahead

The Silver Terrace and Gold Hill Cemeteries in Virginia City are some of the oldest cemeteries in the state of Nevada. Visitors can see the time periods pass as they view the grave markers, ranging from wood to metal to cut stone, displaying the social and economic elements of each time period. During the summer months, guests can go on guided walking tours with “Voices of the Past,” as actors portray actual people buried there.

Location: 20 North E Street
Cost: Donations accepted
Hours: Daily until dusk

Built in 1860 by George Hearst as the headquarters of the Gould & Curry Mining Company, this building has a rich history. One of the “Silver Kings,” John Mackay, purchased the building and sold bars of gold bullion right out of his vault. Daily tours throughout the summer allow guests to peer into the lives of these Victorian‐era millionaires.

Location: 291 South D Street
Cost: $5 adults, children under 12 are free
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily during regular season (May-October); vary during off season; please call ahead.

Railroad fans will enjoy seeing the original steam locomotive, the #18 Dayton, in this history center and museum. A rotating display of historical photos takes visitors on a visual journey of the town’s history.

Location: Corner of E and Union Streets
Cost: Donations accepted
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday – Sunday

During the height of the Comstock Lode when silver was pouring from the hills, many prospectors became millionaires overnight. Above C Street, many of those successful miners built spectacular Victorian homes along B Street, what is now called Millionaire’s Row.

Location: North B Street
Cost: Free

St. Mary’s in the Mountains Catholic Church is Nevada’s oldest Catholic Church, built in 1868. It was rebuilt in 1876 after damage from the Great Fire of 1875. The gorgeous church is open to visitors daily, and there is a museum and wine cellar in the basement. Just across the street is St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1876, replacing the earlier structure that was built in 1861.

Location: 55 North C Street
Cost: Donations accepted
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

If you follow C Street to the south end of town and into Gold Hill, you’ll find the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada’s oldest operating hotel, established in 1861. One of the most charming elements of the hotel is its bar, a tiny hole‐in‐the‐wall place that offers up some refreshing beverages and great stories. It’s said that this was once one of Mark Twain’s favorite hang‐outs, and if it was good enough for him, it’s worth a stop.

Location: 1540 South Main Street, Gold Hill
Cost: Varies

For those looking to extend their Virginia City experience, stay the night at the Cobb Mansion, one of Virginia City’s three bed and breakfasts. In 1875 after the fire burnt down the two homes that existed there, Herman Harris bought the two lots and built his mansion. Today it is a well‐preserved Victorian mansion with well‐appointed guest rooms, each furnished with period furniture.

Location: 18 South A Street
Cost: Varies

The Storey County Courthouse is the oldest continuously operating courthouse in the state of Nevada. It houses a two‐tier jail, a courtroom and large iron‐lined record vaults. It also has the unique distinction of having a rare Lady of Justice statue without her blindfold. The courthouse’s museum holds items like the famous bank robber John Dillinger’s mask.

Location: 12 South B Street
Cost: Donations accepted
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Chollar Mine was one of the leading producers on the Comstock, producing around $17 million in gold and silver over a period of 80 years. Today visitors can take a guided half hour tour, dropping 400 feet into the bowels of the mine to see what it was like for those miners more than a century ago.

Location: 615 F Street
Cost: $15 adults, $10 children 5‐12
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. most days; call ahead 775-847-0155