Virginia City Travel OverviewNo place defines the old west like Virginia City. In the old days; a huge silver deposit known as the Comstock Lode brought thousands to this hillside east of Carson City; even Mark Twain himself spent considerable time here. Once considered more civilized than any other place in the west (including San Francisco); the mines of Virginia City financed a good portion of the Civil War and subsequent boom years. Railroads were built to take out the silver and bring in provisions. Unfortunately; when silver lost favor to gold; Virginia City lost its main source of income. Today the town is home to only a few hundred; but many of the old buildings have been restored and it is now a tourist attraction. From wooden-plank sidewalks to candy stores; it is a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids; even if the commercialization of our past irks some history buffs. Before coming to Virginia City; be sure to watch an episode or two of Bonanza. The 60s drama was set near old Virginia City. | 