Virginia City Cemeteries _ Comstock Cemeteries

The Comstock cemeteries are within the boundaries of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark (NHL).  Because of its rich history, the National Park Service in 1961 designated Virginia City and the surrounding area a NHL, to commemorate the history of the mining frontier. The Landmark, commonly referred to as the Comstock, encompasses nearly 15,000 acres. In 1859 Virginia City and the surrounding area burst into prominence and fame because of the Comstock Lode discovery, one of the richest ore strikes in the world.

The Virginia City cemetery is actually a collection of cemeteries one right next to the other on a hill next to the main part of town. Much like Bodie, the cemetery is easily viewed from the town and was a very busy one.

One of the things that I loved about these cemeteries were all the wonderful elaborate wrought iron fences. As you can see- there are many still standing and they are even more beautiful than the photos. There were many collapsed wood fence enclosures throughout the cemeteries.

If you make your way to Virginia City to see the cemeteries, be prepared for the very strong winds that they have there. These photos were taken while we hiked all over the hill in 60 mile per hour wind gusts. Not an easy walk either, its quite a hike up and down hills.

Once in a while I come across a nice zinc monument like this one. It was a bit damaged though.

I loved these built in flower cups!

Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City is one of the oldest established communities in Nevada. Like many cities and towns in the state, Virginia City was a mining boomtown; in fact it is one of the most famous boomtowns in the Old West, as it virtually appeared overnight as a result of the Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859. 

During its peak, Virginia City had a population of over 10,000 residents and was called the richest city in America. During the 20 years following the Comstock success "about $400 million was taken out of the ground". 

When the Comstock Lode ended in 1898, the city's population declined sharply. 

Adolph Sutro built the Sutro Tunnel in support of the mining operations. Conceived in 1860, it wasn't completed until many years later, after much of the silver mining had already been completed. From its creation in 1859 to 1875, there were five widespread fires. The 1875 fire, dubbed the Great Fire of 1875, caused $12,000,000 in damages.

The Gothic style Catholic church has its own museum in the basement.

I love these rain gutters- Look out below!

We had a good lunch here. This place was recommended by a local

I love old brick

So named due to the nightly clean up resulting in mopping up a bucket of blood from the bar room floor.

These light fixtures were awesome in the Bucket of Blood

Found these excellent old coin ride horses outside the Bucket of Blood Saloon

These fixtures and fabulous tin ceiling can be found inside the Visitors center.

How many Pintos do you see?

Old Mine

There are several old mine heads like this all around the hills in town.

Beautiful old steamer

One of the very few depictions of an Un blind Justice. Note- No blindfold as is usually seen.

These doors are on the second story

The School house

The Spite houses of Virginia City

Yeah. .  Virginia City is pretty Cool!

Next up is Virginia City cemetery