Step back in Nevada time in Virginia City, a Storey County town nestled in the foothills of Reno-Tahoe Territory. Virginia City, one of the country’s largest historical districts and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year. The town is home to such relics as the Bucket of Blood Saloon (have a drink), Piper’s Opera House (see a play), the Fourth Ward School Museum and Comstock History Center (take in some culture) and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad (take a train ride). A walking tour is available through the Virginia City Convention and Visitors Authority, and be sure to stay at the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada’s oldest hotel, and pan for gold and take a tour of a mine.

The town virtually appeared overnight upon the discovery of silver in the region—known as the Comstock Lode—in 1859. The town flourished amidst great wealth and prosperity, yielding about $400 million until the end of the silver strike in 1898. It was in Virginia City that Samuel Clemens first used his pen name, Mark Twain, when he wrote for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper. Thus, many consider Virginia City to be the “birthplace” of Mark Twain.

Virginia City also hosts special events such as the International Camel Races, World Championship Outhouse Races and Mountain Oyster Fry.