According to legend, the historic Nevada mining town of Virginia City was named when one of its founding fathers tripped, broke a bottle of whiskey he was carrying, and christened the town in honor of his home state of Virginia.

It doesn’t matter if the story is true. In fact, part of what makes Virginia City so fascinating is the blurred line that separates its history from the legends. In Virginia City, if a story is repeated often enough, it becomes the truth.

With its wooden sidewalks, old time western storefronts, and 19th century aura, Virginia City isn’t like too many other places. It’s a community that has staked its present and future on the past. It’s impossible to stroll along the main boulevard, C Street, and not feel the tug of the town’s ghosts.

To explore the Comstock area, drive east of Carson City on U.S. 50 toward Dayton. For several miles, the road passes through commercial and industrial Carson City before climbing to the small community of Mound House. About two miles east of Mound House, turn north on State Route 341, the Comstock Highway.

You may also want to time your visit to the Comstock to coincide with one of the region’s unique special events such as the Mountain Oyster Fry (March), Comstock Historic Preservation Weekend (May), Virginia City Camel Races (September), Virginia City Hill Climb Ferrari Races (September), World Championship Outhouse Races (October), and Christmas on the Comstock (December).

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