Ghost town and National Historic Landmark preserving Old West period buildings that have been added to the National Register of Historic Places
General Information
From Bozeman, MT (66 miles): Head west on W Olive St toward S 5th Ave. Turn right onto S 8th Ave. Turn left onto US-191 S/W Main St. Continue onto MT-84 W/Norris Rd. Turn left onto US-287 S. Turn right onto MT-287 N/W Main St. Turn right onto Van Buren St.
Virginia City is a town in and the county seat of Madison County, Montana. In 1961 the town and the surrounding area were designated a National Historic Landmark District, the Virginia City Historic District.
Things to Do
Step Into Montana's Best-Preserved Gold Rush Town
Virginia City is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most authentic Old West towns in the United States. Founded following the Alder Gulch gold strike of 1863, the town preserves dozens of original buildings and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Montana's frontier history.
Explore Historic Downtown Virginia City
Visitors can stroll wooden boardwalks lined with preserved nineteenth-century buildings, historic businesses, museums, restaurants, and shops. The town's remarkably intact streetscape provides a glimpse into life during Montana's gold rush era.
Visit the Virginia City Museums
Several museums throughout town showcase artifacts, photographs, and exhibits focused on mining history, pioneer life, transportation, law enforcement, and the development of Montana Territory.
Ride the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad
This historic narrow-gauge train provides scenic rides between Virginia City and nearby Nevada City. The route travels through Alder Gulch while offering insight into the area's mining heritage and spectacular mountain scenery.
Experience Live History and Historic Performances
During the tourism season, visitors can enjoy living history demonstrations, theatrical productions, historic reenactments, and guided tours that bring the stories of miners, merchants, vigilantes, and settlers to life.
Visit Nearby Nevada City
Just a short distance from Virginia City, Nevada City features a living history museum with restored historic buildings, antique collections, and exhibits that complement the Virginia City experience and provide additional insight into Montana's frontier past.
Learn About the Alder Gulch Gold Rush
Virginia City was established after one of the richest placer gold discoveries in North American history. Interpretive displays throughout the community tell the story of prospectors, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who transformed the region during the 1860s.
Top Trails
Virginia City to Nevada City Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This easy walking trail connects Virginia City and Nevada City while following portions of historic Alder Gulch. Visitors enjoy scenic views and opportunities to explore both historic communities without driving.
Alder Gulch Historic Trail
Length: Varies by route
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy
This trail system follows portions of the historic mining district where the 1863 gold discoveries occurred. Interpretive opportunities throughout the area help visitors understand the significance of Alder Gulch in Montana history.
Historic Virginia City Walking Tour
Length: Approximately 1 mile or less
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
A self-guided walking tour highlights many of Virginia City's most important historic buildings, museums, businesses, and landmarks. The route provides an excellent introduction to the town's preserved frontier architecture.
Baldy Mountain Trail
Length: Varies by route
Elevation Gain: Significant
Difficulty: Challenging
Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Alder Gulch, the Madison Valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. The trail is popular among visitors seeking a more strenuous outdoor adventure near Virginia City.
Summit Ridge Trail
Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Moderate to Significant
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
This scenic route traverses nearby ridgelines and offers expansive views of southwest Montana's mountain landscapes, valleys, and historic mining country.
Sources: Official Virginia City tourism information covering historic attractions, museums, train rides, events, walking tours, and Gold Rush history.
https://virginiacity.com/Virginia City, Montana Official Tourism Site
Additional historical information regarding Virginia City's role in the Alder Gulch Gold Rush, preserved historic district, museums, and visitor experiences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_City,_MontanaVirginia City, Montana History
Supplemental visitor information covering Nevada City, the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad, historic walking tours, and regional recreation opportunities.
https://visitmt.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/virginia-cityVisit Montana - Virginia City
In May 1863, a group of prospectors were headed toward the Yellowstone River and instead came upon a party of the Crow tribe and was forced to return to Bannack. On May 26, 1863, Bill Fairweather and Henry Edgar discovered gold near Alder Creek. The prospectors could not keep the site a secret and were followed on their return to the gold bearing site. A mining district was set up in order to formulate rules about individual gold claims. On June 16, 1863 under the name of "Verina" the township was formed a mile south of the gold fields. The name was intended to honor Varina Howell Davis, the first and only First Lady of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Verina, although in Union territory, was founded by men whose loyalties were thoroughly Confederate. Upon registration of the name, a Connecticut judge, G. G. Bissell, objected to their choice and recorded it as Virginia City.
In the 1940s, Charles and Sue Bovey began buying the town, putting much needed maintenance into failing structures. The ghost town of Virginia City began to be restored for tourism in the 1950s. The Boveys operated the town as an open-air museum complete with artifacts and living history enactments. Of the nearly three hundred structures in town, almost half were built prior to 1900. Buildings in their original condition with Old West period displays and information plaques stand next to presently active restaurants, gift shops, and other businesses. The town received National Historic Landmark status in 1962, and many of its buildings have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Virginia City also has a Boothill Cemetery. The 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad transports passengers by rail to the nearby ghost town of Nevada City, Montana, and back.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Virginia City, Montana", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
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