Virginia City,
Montana
News: Restoring Virginia City
News: Virginia City
Courthouse - fighting for dollars
Once Montana's capital city, Virginia City is now a
living Ghost Town and favorite tourist attraction. Virginia City's
courthouse was built in 1876 and it's present day employees are the
mainstay of the town's year round business activities.
Boom and bust continues to be VC's trademark, yet it now comes in
seasons as the tourists come and go, as opposed to the years of
hundreds of gold miners toughing out harsh Montana winters living in
shacks and tents.
Favorite summer event: The 4th of July fireworks. They can be
enjoyed from the anywhere downtown (a couch or chairs in the back of
pick-up trucks have been seen some years, parked in front of the
bars). The library lawn is a popular viewing area as is Boot
Hill, which is my personal favorite. Bring munchies and blankets...
the display starts after the Brewery Follies last show is over.
Note: Though there isn't a sales tax in Montana, Virginia City
and Nevada City have a 3% resort tax during May through October, as does nearby West
Yellowstone.
History
Gold discovered in 1863 and the gold rush was soon
on! By 1864 there were about 15,000 people in the area, with 10,00 people
in Alder Gulch and another 5,000 in Virginia City. A year
later, Virginia City had lost almost half it's population to the
Last Chance Gulch gold rush in what would eventually become the
capital city of Helena, but Virginia City remained the territorial
capital for 10 years, until the gold strike ran out.
Schools
Students attend school in Ennis.
Favorite Places
The hands-down favorite of kids is Cousin's Candy Shop; parents,
keep in mind that the days of penny candy are long gone. In fact, a
dollar won't get far here -- have your wallet handy. The
Old Time Photo Studio is a quick and fun stop for old west photos -
great gifts or souvenirs. The Virginia City Players at the
Opera House put on a dandy performance every night all summer long!
Intermission provides a chance to have a drink or soda at the Bale
of Hay Saloon next door. Classic plays and skits provide
entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
|
