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Storey County
Nevada owes its very existence to Storey County. Without its own Virginia City, there would arguably be no Silver State. Named after Edward Farris Storey, killed in battle during an engagement at the Pyramid Lake Indian War, the county's very foundation and modern day spinning wheels have to do with history, more accurately... the Comstock Lode. In fact, it is the only county in Nevada to still have its original courthouse, seat and political power from the day it was founded in 1861.
There was a time when Virginia City was the "Richest Place in the West". Hopefuls frolicked to the foothills of Sun Mountain to try their hands at the mountain's rich silver, during a time when the goldfields of California were all but taken. Faces of all kinds and ages of all types then found Virginia City home. Miners were among the highest paid in the nation, more businesses found success rather than having to close their doors and mining companies from all over the world felt the need to partake in Virginia City's booming economy. San Francisco was one. In fact, it is this reason alone that San Francisco is the large city it is today. Virginia City's silver funded the Civil War and ultimately led to the Union's victory. Most importantly, Nevada is a free state and not just a part of Utah or California, or a big gap in between the mountains that nobody cares about.... This is the impact Virginia City had to history. To this day, no other place has been able to match the Comstock's amount. It is by far the largest silver strike in American history.
Here in Storey County, well, everything still revolves around Virginia City, the heart, spine and soul of Storey County. People who live on "The Hill" are just fine the way things are and when winter comes, bittersweet taps the mountain air as tourism halts, slowing the economy, but also transitioning to a nice break of peace and quiet. At 6,200 feet in elevation, VC stands above the valleys of Dayton and Mound House and well above the Nevada Capitol, all but forgotten by some, but always a thought's away. The only other community within the county's limits is Gold Hill, Virginia City's southern neighbor of about 700 people. Gold Hill was equally an important community in Nevada history. It's always been a sister community, with most people working in VC but actually living in Gold Hill. When one drives up the hairpin curve on 342, it's hard not to notice the gigantic gash on the mountain's back. This is a reminder of the extensive measures of mining the mountain's silver that led to Nevada's statehood.
As most would guess, all of the markers found within Storey tell of the Comstock Lode and the reigning of Virginia City. Despite the huge history and importance of Gold Hill, all 8 markers are only found within Virginia City. However, if you're out hunting history alone, Gold Hill is a wonderful place to explore. Many plaques and original buildings still stand as they are, an almost 'old man' of its northern sister. Currently, I'm petitioning to have many places in Gold Hill become a part of the State Marker System so that one day, such places as the Gold Hill Hotel, (oldest hotel in Nevada still in use!) and the Gold Hill Train Depot outlying mining camps in Storey County like American City and Lousetown, may celebrate by having that blue silver plaque at their locations. The only way to work Storey's markers is to park along C Street and take all day to leisurely stroll along the main drag. However, as tempting as it is, don't limit yourself to just C Street; only 2 of Storey's markers are found here. That's right... the remaining 6 are 'outta the way': 2 on D Street, 2 on B Street, 1 on A Street and 1 that sits just outside the city limits. That's right. Expect to walk thoroughly. You'll also see other markers as well, older plaques that although they say they are a numbered registered landmark, are actually outdated from the 60's and kept out of the historic marker system. These I'm trying to work back into the system too... with your help of course. Specifics or not, find your own plaque and make interpretation of it however you like. One word of advice: Be respectful of the locals. Once you leave the 'C Street Parade', you risk invading the privacy of those who live here. Keep in mind that Virginia City is still an active community, not just a tourist circus.
Historical Markers of Storey county
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