Virginia City, Nevada
After discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, Virginia City developed almost overnight along the eastern slopes of Mount Davidson. A population of 4,000 in 1862 swelled to over 15,000 the following year. It was in this mining town that a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper, Samuel Clemens, first used his more famous pen name, Mark Twain.
Just a stone's throw from Reno, Virginia City is a town washed in history and much of it kept in a 19th century state. The historic character is kept with board sidewalks and storefronts restored to their 1860's and 1870's glory. I happened to be in town when they tested the courthouse siren at noon. Definitely a sound that travels throughout the entire city.
I enjoyed walking around the side streets off of the main drag in town. Here I found buildings in various stages of ruin, old cars used as props in a garden, and a number of friendly dogs happy to let me know whose territory it was. Along C Street I had the chance to say hello to Bernadette the donkey. A real sweetheart sharing her snack of carrots with Stinky.
Steep hills and stairs await any visitor but well worth the quick trip. I'll be back to catch the city under better lighting.
