Virginia City

	Nearby CitiesAlder Cameron Ennis Mcallister Nevada City Norris Sheridan Twin Bridges Virginia City		Select from the options below to learn more about the Virginia City area... Lodging Campgrounds Attractions Events Food & Drink Air & Ground Transportation Travel Info Outfitters & Guides Public Recreation Sites Places of Worship Special Interest/Tours Shopping Banking/Other Services Car Rental In Virginia City Within 30 miles Within 60 miles

Virginia City was born with the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch in 1863. A boom town of the post Civil War era, Virginia City served as the Montana Territorial Capital for 10 years, until the gold ran out. Just a mile away lies Nevada City, a western town created from a collection of buildings from other ghost towns. Both towns have been largely restored and preserved and have become living examples of the real Old West. One hundred fifty buildings have been certified authentic by the Montana Historical Society. Original buildings, dating from the Territorial days, are filled with merchandise and implements used when gold camps flourished in the West. Boardwalks, mechanical music machines, a penny arcade, antique automobiles and even a two-story outhouse add to the Old West atmosphere.

This section of Gold West Country offers many opportunities to relive the adventure of gold rush days. Virginia City’s Heritage Days & Victorian Ball is a celebration of the Victorian era held in August. Events include a Grand Ball where guests attend in period costume. The Opera House features the Virginia City Players' productions in the style of 19th-century. Virginia City offers the oldest continuously operating summer stock theater west of the Mississippi. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for a schedule of shows.

In Virginia City, you can shop, dine and sleep without leaving the atmosphere of the 1860s. Dine in the Wells Fargo Coffee House or the Star Bakery and bend an elbow in the Bale of Hay Saloon. Relax with a libation at Montana's first brewery, the H. S. Gilbert Brewery, and enjoy a performance of the Brewery Follies Players. Modern accommodations in a charming, 19th-century atmosphere are available. You will find fascinating nuggets of history and memories to treasure.

Take the train to Nevada City on an authentic narrow-gauge railroad. Travel between the two mining camps on the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad. At the Nevada City end of the line, visit the Alder Gulch Short Line Steam Railroad Museum with its collection of equipment and stock from the railroad era.

The majestic Madison River Valley, just west of Virginia City, features some of the world's finest trout streams, as well as a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Elevation: 5,882 feet

Visitor Information:   Montana Heritage Commission   Virginia City Chamber   Virginia City Preservation Society Located In:   Gold West Country

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