the Comstock

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. — A ton of steer testicles, literally, are headed up to the Comstock for the 28th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16. Each year, daring cooks from around the region cook, fry, grill, smoke or otherwise serve up tasty testicle concoctions at this fan-favorite event, an ode to the mining town’s history.

Hello Carson City and welcome to Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. We're midway through the work week with yet another round of snow showers possible today and Thursday. But don't let the weather spoil your fun. There's several activities lined up throughout the day and tonight.

"Hucksters and Bohos and Hippies, Oh My!"
A quick survey of some 20th century goings-on on the Comstock

Wear your tie dye and return to a (recent) bygone era!

Presented by Michael A. "Bert" Bedeau who has served as the District Administrator for the Comstock Historic District Commission in Virginia City since 1999. Previously he worked for the State Historic Preservation offices in Idaho and South Dakota. He holds a BA in History from Occidental College and an MA in Historic Preservation Studies from Boston University.

Most people forget that divorce wasn’t an easy thing to achieve up until the last part of the 20th century. So how is it that Reno, a tiny little railroad town in the middle of nowhere, became known as the place to flock to if you wanted to untie that knot?

People, even Nevadans themselves, often ask why Carson City is our beloved capital. It does seem odd, when you look at the “City,” half rural, half town. Reno has more than double our population, and Las Vegas even more. During the Comstock Boom, Virginia City was arguably the largest, most profitable city in the state.

So how did little Carson City become the central legislative hub of Nevada?

Virginia City is known for two things: mining history and quirky, off-the-wall events. In 2019, those two things are joined together with the announcement of the historic Nevada town’s annual special events lineup and online ticket sales.

CARSON CITY— If the definition of America as “the land of opportunity” needed a singular story to illustrate it, John Mackay’s would be a likely choice and 19th Century Nevada the perfect backdrop.

The Historic Gold Hill Hotel — the oldest Hotel in Nevada, first known as the Riesen House — can be found on the road to Virginia City from Highway 50, and is a popular location for weddings and events.

It was 150 years ago this month when one of Nevada's most treasured artifacts first arrived in Carson City.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Nevada state capital, and there is no shortage of holiday events and activities to make the season bright.

Holding with tradition, Virginia City is once again putting on its festive hat for a holiday celebration with music, lights, and heaps of holiday spirit.

SILVER CITY, Nev. — Carson City’s recognition of the importance of arts and culture to a thriving community is very much in line with that of nearby Silver City. The Comstock town is known as an "Arts and Cultural Resources Production Center" due to the work residents have contributed in the fields of arts and cultural resources.

CARSON CITY — From the historic United States Branch Mint to the V&T Railroad to the fact it remains one of the most sparsely populated state capitals, Carson City has a colorful and unique history.

Nevada's celebration of statehood provides for a bevy of activities that showcase the Silver State's best. From contests to exhibits, food and beverages of all kinds, Native dancing, hot air balloons, concerts, a carnival celebration at Mills Park and the famed Nevada Day parade, there is something for everyone throughout the long weekend.

To read part one, click here. After a battle with Utah Mormons, new prospectors, and a vigilante committee, Nevada finally won its right to be an official U.S. territory in 1861, most likely due to the fact that the Comstock Lode was discovered in 1859, and supplied the Union with much needed gold and silver deposits.

Silver City Arts and Carson City artists are forming a sister city alliance.

Every spooky Halloween or family friendly fall themed event in Carson City, Gardnerville, Virginia City, Reno, Sparks, Dayton, and more.

The Bliss Mansion, which still stands today directly across from the Governor’s mansion, was built by millionaire Duane L. Bliss in 1879 and was the most lavish and elaborate home built in Carson City at the time. Some say its dutiful owner still walks the grounds, keeping an eye on his beloved masterpiece.

SILVER CITY, Nev. — There will be a free event called “Remembering American Flat” this Saturday on the Comstock. The event includes three parts – a screening of a new documentary that covers the history of the American Flat mill from its inception in the 1920s to its demolition in 2014; a short lecture about the unique qualities of the mill by consulting architectural historian and industrial archaeologist Ron Reno, PhD; and a pop-up show with locals’ rare photos of the site.

CARSON CITY — Northern Nevada Development Authority on Wednesday announced the winners of its annual Pioneer Awards. Showcasing the many success stories in the area, the Pioneer Awards highlight the strength and innovation of the Sierra Region economic ecosystem.

If the work week flew by for you, then you will want to be sure to catch some of the events occurring in our area before the weekend passes you by. It's already Saturday, Sept. 15, so don't waste any more time.

Come join us this Saturday, Sept. 15 in the beautiful historic Comstock town of Silver City as we celebrate a day of harmony in the Silver City Park.

Juliette “Julia” Bulette was born in England in 1832 and quickly became the proprietor of the most lavish and prosperous brothel in Virginia City. She was beloved by all, and became an honorary member of the Virginia Engine Company Number 1 fire brigade.

Don’t let finding something fun for Labor Day be laborious, just keep reading. Virginia City hosts a noontime parade to celebrate. You’ll want to stick around as the Comstock Civil War Reenactors wage a “Battle for ‘C’ Street.” Join your neighbors at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and food drive for Friends in Service Helping (FISH).

Virginia City has come to be known for embracing the strange, the odd, and the downright weird.

Time for some Sunday holiday adventure. The Carson Nugget has something special tonight, a Van Halen Tribute Band plays two concerts in their upstairs ballroom. For a lazy afternoon in the shade, you’ll find live music on the porch of the Genoa Bar. The Tahoe Orchestra brings their annual 9/11 Memorial Concert to St. Gall’s Church in Gardnerville. Virginia City is trapped in a time loop during Civil War Days. Don’t forget to get your grub on at the annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks. Read on for more events for both Sunday and Monday.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

Bill passed Aug. 4 and is once again with his beloved Ardell. They’re both at peace after long battles with Parkinson’s.

Silver City is wrapping up summer in style with a day of fun in the park on Saturday, Sept. 1. A rummage sale to benefit Silver City Arts will begin at 9 a.m. and an afternoon and evening of live music will run 3 to 8 p.m. Starting at 2:30 beer, wine and soda will be for sale to benefit the Silver City School House and future music events.

In the days of covered wagons, copious amounts of gold and silver, and dastardly highway bandits, the legend of the Prison Hill Missing Treasure still lives today, and people often comb the sides of Prison Hill in Carson City searching out the lost Wells Fargo gold for themselves, but it has yet to be found to this day.