MISC. GHOSTS FROM VIRGINIA CITY

There's more citizens in its cemeteries than on the census rolls. Is it any wonder that Virginia City is Nevada's most haunted city. Built on the side of Mt. Davidson, Virginia City flourished during the late 1800's as a result of the the Comstock Lode. Mark Twain got his start in Virginia City as a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise. Satisfied that he'd finally found his niche, he, settled in and began writing the tall tales that made him famous. In his desire to start over on the Comstock, Twain wasn't alone.

When California's Gold Rush played out, Nevada's Rush to Washoe, began. People from all over the world came to Virginia City with one thought in mind; Silver. Unfortunately, for every individual who struck it rich as a result of the precious ore, twenty others lost everything they owned in their quest for wealth. But financial disasters weren't the only sort faced by residents of Virginia City.

Life on the Comstock was perilous at best, and the graveyards quickly filled. But many of those consigned to the cemeteries weren't ready to go and are rumoured to still be in town, haunting their favorite places. Locals and tourists rub shoulders and swap stories at The Old Washoe Club. Originally called The Millionaires Club, it was built so that nouveau riche gentlemen might enjoy the pleasures of wealth, in comfort and style. At one time, the building was even used to store corpses when the ground was frozen too solid for digging graves.

Three ghosts haunt The Old Washoe Club; A lovely, blonde apparition, known as the lady in blue, the specter of a scared little girl, and a grizzled prospector who occasionally cadges drinks from unsuspecting patrons. Ladies be warned, the door to the women's room locks and unlocks itself. St. Marys Art Center is far from the city's main tourist attractions. It was Virginia City's first hospital until a terrible fire broke out one evening and a nun perished in the flames while helping patients escape the danger. She's been seen staring forlornly from one of the building's upper windows late at night, and is said to still walk the halls of St. Mary's calmly checking on the welfare of unseen patients. Does greed transcend death? Some say it does in the case of stagecoach robber, Jack Davis, a respected Virginia City businessman who took to robbing as a sideline. He buried a cache of stolen loot out in Six Mile Canyon and died before he could tell anyone where. Now his spirit watches over the treasure trove, and raises quite a ruckus if anyone dares get too near his secret hiding place.

Hauntings aren't new to the canyons near Virginia City. In 1868 a Frenchman named John Millian was hanged near Geiger Grade for the murder of Virginia City courtesan, Julia Bulette. Julia had been much beloved by the town's men who cheerfully celebrated the execution. Women openly wept as Millain mounted the steps. Since they had little use for Julia's kind, the ladies had taken pity on the young murderer, and baked him sweets while he awaited his trip to the gallows.

After he received the last rites, Millain addressed the crowd, thanked the ladies for their kindness, and then nodded to the hangman. Is it the Washoe Zephyrs whispering through the canyon late at night, or John Millain's mournful cry for mercy? When it was completed in 1875, The Fourth Ward School was a modern marvel. Featuring indoor plumbing, and central heating, it was spacious enough to accommodate more than a thousand students. Today it is a museum. If you should happen by one evening and hear the sound of children's laughter, don't be alarmed. It's only the ghosts of former students trying to catch up on their studies.

Virginia City, Nevada is a fun town with lots of ghostly places to explore. If you visit, you certainly won't be disappointed.