Virginia City, NV - October 12, 2021

 My son, Randy, flew out from St. Petersburg to spend some time with me.  The only significant airport near my route is in Reno, NV, so we planned to set up camp near there.  We actually stayed in Minden, about five miles south of Carson City and thirty-five miles south of the Reno airport.  One of our major destinations in the area was Virginia City, famous as the home of the Comstock Lode, the first major silver discovery in the U.S.

On the way to Virginia City, we passed through two other "ghost towns" from the mid-1800s, Gold Hill and Silver City.  Gold was discovered here in 1849 and led to the founding of Gold Hill.  The town's population surged to more than 8000, but waned as the mines played out.  Gold was still mined here until 1943, so the town was never completely abandoned.  It is home to less than 200 people today.

Silver City was founded with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859.  With a population up to 1200, it was primarily a provider of services for the much larger Virginia City.  Today there are 170 people, and sadly too much junk and garbage for my taste.

Virginia City was the largest and grandest city in Nevada for a time.  The riches of the Comstock Lode had significant influence in many areas across the country and even the world.  Mining and processing technologies developed here were used all over for many years.  Profits from the numerous mines were responsible for the growth and development of San Francisco.  City planning and construction techniques were employed in many areas.  The population boomed, reaching 25,000 before the mines began to play out.  Today's population is around 850 people who make their living through tourism, catering to more than 2,000,000 visitors each year.

Mark Twain was a reporter for the local newspaper until leaving town to avoid a duel with a rival editor.  Other famous people, primarily entertainers, passed through during the hey-day.  Victorian style mansions were everywhere, and many still stand today.  All in all, Virginia City was a colorful page from America's history.