Widows and Waifs: 22nd Annual Ghost Tour Explores the Haunted History of Carson City's West Side

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically relived in the 22nd annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk Oct. 18. Tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 AM and leaving every 30 minutes until the last walk at 2:30 PM. The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history. Hear about lingering spirits of the past centuries, haunted and paranormal stories, and meet characters along the tour.

This year will have two tour paths. The 90-minute Widow’s Walk features five home tours and the widows Margaret Ormsby, Mary Curry, Nellie Verrill Mighels Davis, Elizabeth Bliss and others from Carson City’s remarkable days gone by and their husbands that passed before them. A 50-minute "Mini" Waif Walk through downtown is created especially for kids and families enjoying a shorter walking path. Costumes are welcome and there will be old-fashioned trick or treating and two home tours. These are both spirit lead, guided walking tours of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. The tours leave rain or shine. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins. There will be photo opportunities, tables, psychics and Ghost Walk merchandise for sale so you may want to get there early.

Tickets:
The Widow’s Walk 90 - Minute Tour - All tickets $15 in advance. $20 on the day of the event. Under 3 Free. Go here for Widow's Walk tickets.
The “Mini” Waif Walk 50 - Minute Tour - Tickets in advance: $7 for children 12 years and under. $9 for General. Tickets on the day of the event: $9 for children under 12, $12 for General. Under 3 Free. Go here for Waif Walk Tickets.
Tickets can also be ordered by mail, call 775.343.6279 for information.

The following are a few of the homes featured on the tour. The Bliss Mansion: built by millionaire Duane L. Bliss is a three story, 8,500 sq ft. mansion that was completed in 1879 to become his dream home. This 15 room Victorian was built in the Italianate style, and was the biggest and most elaborate home in Nevada at the time. The Brewery Arts Center: built in 1874 by the Carson Brewing Company, which produced Tahoe Beer. The building has been transformed into an arts center. The Ferris Mansion: home of George Ferris, Jr., inventor of the Ferris Wheel for the Chicago World Columbian Exposition in 1893. The Rinckel Mansion: built by the fortune of Mathias Rinckel, a forward-looking meat magnate who struck it rich supplying Gold Rushers and Lake Tahoe lumbermen. The Governor’s Mansion: this elegant, classic revival mansion was built 40 years after Nevada became a state and was first occupied by Governor Dickerson and his family in 1909.

VOLUNTEERS/COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES: The Carson City Ghost Walk uses the community as volunteers to work the Ghost Walk. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at ghostwalkingtour@gmail.com or 775.348.6279. Or you can find them on facebook here.

The Carson City Ghost Walk 2014 partners include The Brüka Theatre, The Firkin & Fox Pub, The Brewery Arts Center, and The Nevada Press Association.
This Carson City Ghost Walk is part of the NV 150 Celebration.