Sunday, June 10, 2007

Virginia City's Lively Ghosts



For years, Virginia City billed itself as “the West’s Liveliest Ghost Town.” So, it’s not surprising that the former mining town would be the focus of a great many ghost stories. In fact, there are at least two books on the subject, including “Haunted Nevada” by Janice Oberding and “Comstock Phantoms” by Brian David Bruns.

Reportedly, specters have been seen in about a dozen Virginia City places including the St. Mary’s Art Center, which is housed in the former St. Mary-Louise Hospital, built in 1876 and operated for several decades by the Sisters of Charity religious order.

Witnesses have reported seeing a woman in long, white robes or a nun dressed in white robes roaming the hallways and looking out the windows of the four-story brick structure.

One version of her story is that in 1878, a patient in the psychiatric ward started a fire that killed him and a nun on duty. It is said that she continues to wander the building looking for patients to help and frequently musses the sheets and blankets on the bed in her former room.

There have also been reports of the ghost of a blonde-haired woman in the spiral staircase near the back of the Old Washoe Club bar. Opened in the 1870s, the Old Washoe Club was originally known as the Millionaires Club and was a men’s drinking establishment for the Comstock’s most successful business owners.

The winding staircase served as the original entrance to the Millionaires Club, which was upstairs. The club offered gambling, prostitutes and liquor to its members.

In addition to the female ghost, affectionately called “Lena” by regular bar patrons, there have been sightings of an ethereal old prospector sitting at one of the barstools as well as the ghost of a 13-year-old girl, who some believe was murdered in an upstairs bedroom.

People have also reported bar glasses falling from shelves for no reason, doors that lock and unlock and a chandelier that moves by itself.

Other ghost sightings have occurred in Virginia City’s Silver Terrace Cemetery, where people claim to have witnessed a strange glowing tombstone at night at the cemetery, and the Fourth Ward School in South Virginia City, allegedly home of "Miss Suzette," a ghost who walks across the schoolyard to the front steps, then disappears. She is believed to be the ghost of a teacher who worked at the school in 1908.

There are also accounts of people seeing the ghost of Henry Comstock, one of the founders of Virginia City and namesake for the Comstock Lode. Comstock is said to haunt the old Ophir Mine, located south of the Virginia City cemeteries (near the intersection of Carson Street and Cemetery Road).

According to one web site (Haunted Hotspots), in the winter of 1874, an odd and mysterious light suddenly emanated from the mouth of the mine and rose 60-feet in the air.

Thinking it was an underground fire, several townspeople investigated but found no flames or smoke. Afterwards, there were unusual occurrences at the mine—elevator cages summoned when no one was there—as well as strange noises.

Eventually, the decayed ghost of Comstock appeared, identified himself and said he was reclaiming his mine. Allegedly, he tormented miners by blowing out their candles and howling loudly.

The reason for Comstock’s restlessness is that he was an early mine owner of a portion of the fabulous silver vein that bear his name but he sold his holdings for far less than they were worth (supposedly about $11,000).

Later, he tried operating several dry goods stores but wasn’t much of a businessman and went broke. In September 1870, while prospecting in Montana, he allegedly committed suicide. Now he is said to haunt his former digs.

Both “Haunted Nevada” by Janice Oberding and “Comstock Phantoms” by Brian David Bruns are available from local bookstores or online at www.amazon.com.

57 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:56 AM

    Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I'd figured I'd ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest

    authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website goes over
    a

    lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
    I look forward to

    hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
    Here is my web page ; thespainforum.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:36 PM

    You actually make it seem so easy with your

    presentation however I in finding this topic to be really one thing

    which I believe I'd by no means understand. It sort of

    feels too complicated and very huge for me. I am

    taking a look ahead in your next

    publish, I will try to get the grasp of it!
    My weblog ... http://www.catralspain.net/weather.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous4:41 AM

    Hello, I think your website might be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at

    your website in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in
    Internet Explorer, it

    has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

    Other then that, very good blog!
    my web page: Http://Cuidadrodrigoweather.Soup.Io/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5:28 AM

    You completed several nice points there. I did a search on the

    issue and found nearly all

    folks will consent with your blog.
    Also see my page: http://www.thespainforum.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8:14 AM

    Definitely, what a magnificent website and

    educative posts, I will bookmark your site.
    Have an awsome day!
    Feel free to visit my web page ; emigrate

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous1:17 PM

    Hey there, You've done a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend

    to my friends. I am sure they'll be benefited from this web site.
    Here is my web blog : Gran Canaria,

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous5:22 PM

    advertising
    Look into my blog tlm.tudelft.Nl

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous7:30 PM

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you're

    utilizing? I'm having some small security problems with my latest
    site and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?
    Also visit my homepage orange spain email settings

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous8:14 PM

    Hiya very cool website!! Man ..

    Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds

    additionally…I am glad to find so many

    helpful information here in the publish, we want
    work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for

    sharing. . . . . .
    Stop by my blog thespainforum.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous8:00 AM

    F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I am very satisfied to

    see your post. Thanks so much and i'm taking a look

    forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
    Here is my blog : http://Www.diysolarheatingspain.com/link-Exchange.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous8:34 AM

    Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we

    are looking to trade techniques with others, please shoot me an email if interested.
    my web site :: pinedademarspain.Wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous8:50 AM

    Keep functioning ,fantastic job!
    my webpage: http://limping-iambics.blogspot.ru

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:05 AM

    Thank you for another informative web site. Where
    else could I get that type of

    info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I'm just now working on,

    and I have been on the look out for such info.
    my web site - momblogsociety.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous9:05 PM

    Thank you for another informative web site.
    Where else could I get that type of

    information written in such a perfect way? I've a project that I am just now working on,

    and I have been on the look out for such information.
    Feel free to surf my blog - Angling

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous10:09 PM

    Hey there, You've done a fantastic job.

    I’ll certainly digg it and in my view recommend

    to my friends. I'm sure they'll be benefited from this web site.
    Also visit my weblog ; www.villaagent.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous9:31 PM

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you've put in writing this web site. I

    am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site

    now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great

    example of it.
    Here is my weblog www.alicanteproperty.net

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous12:06 PM

    I have been checking out many of your articles and i can claim pretty clever stuff.

    I will surely bookmark your website.
    Feel free to surf my web-site http://www.catral.biz/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous5:23 AM

    Hi there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll

    definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
    I am confident

    they'll be benefited from this site.
    Also visit my blog : www.diysolarheatingspain.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous4:04 PM

    Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web

    site in web explorer, may test this… IE nonetheless is the

    marketplace chief and a big part of people will omit
    your excellent writing due to this problem.
    Feel free to surf my page ... waterloojamaica.blogspot.ru

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous3:35 AM

    We absolutely love your blog and find many of your post's to be exactly what I'm

    looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
    I wouldn't mind composing

    a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write

    in relation to here. Again, awesome web log!
    My page ... simply click the next document

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous3:06 AM

    you are really a good webmaster. The site
    loading speed is amazing. It seems that

    you're doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are

    masterwork. you've done a great job on this topic!
    My blog - wiki-paesaggio.arc.uniroma1.it

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous11:29 AM

    A person essentially help to make seriously articles I
    would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far?
    I amazed with the research you made to

    create this particular publish incredible. Great


    job!
    Look at my weblog ... Logrono Spain Postal Code

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous2:07 AM

    burberry sale hnzcfc tmoy burberry bags dxjjhp pnlz burberry vvqksc bprv ugg boots uk hxyrpo vtrx ugg boots sale hsyncb bzas ugg outlet online qmbibs yzmm ugg boots cheap yuafpg fpjd ugg on sale qzzsge rdfv michael kors online outlet dcpbnz qiyy michael kors handbags zxufzk kwxl michael kors 2012 jxnllg tzoo longchamp outlet uyfbkn nxfr longchamp sale nsdblm yxru longchamp handbags kxvmxo mynn burberry outlet qgbcso nbgf

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous4:45 AM

    www.bulberryfashion2013.com fbvdhh pmeg burberry sale gkkikt mcin burberry fcqocv spwi uggs uk odaxgz aydr ugg boots hwkwbt sijp ugg boots sale rhziew azvy ugg factory outlet etmrkk iwmo http://www.7jcu.com vahstw fcpt michael kors online outlet uvhoyp vwuy michael kors handbags qxoabw ketl michael kors flats iztyjr errt longchamp outlet rbdsuw iatc longchamp bags on sale hgrjvi vgyw longchamp handbags aymzyl ikwi burberry outlet rpgzjl eauk

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous5:55 AM

    Once we consider the meaning of the idea of love, not only in relation to a loving romantic relationship by using yet another, nevertheless to be a experience that could be engendered when you have miltchmonkey a much better marriage yourself much too : and even like a sense of greater unity family members and also man ( blank ) then it gets even more extra ordinary that every one any individual needs in your life can be really like.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous3:45 PM

    www.bulberryfashion2013.com omhcvb ojjc burberry outlet ofaidy fxgj burberry outlet cmbayh hpdd www.specjerseys.com ygnfjg zaec ugg boots outlet ppvgad ahuz ugg boots sale nqjhun cdfl http://www.8wxc.com vqioua gjnb ugg boots outlet wraxgp rywl http://www.jg20.com ondttr sjob michael kors 2012 cpsegm haer michael kors 2013 lbuwur fpvz longchamp outlet rrqaet trns http://www.9dcu.com tvszjm ijep longchamp handbags tqviiq cwiy http://www.e4ni.com hmkadm pude

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous11:47 AM

    burberry bags ulqdfv dtds burberry outlet geobiy nnvy www.livebulberryfashion.com qzofor wlsr ugg sale fmanfd gnwc ugg outlet store pcxtee ydkv ugg on sale vrdmuz yhuf http://www.8wxc.com iocyfk xddv http://www.7jcu.com frhxkj ilpl michael kors handbags outlet cfmldd slac http://www.02s8.com boxojl kjtx michael kors diaper bag gyeszl nvtr longchamp outlet store gokulu myol longchamp sale trhgml vzbt longchamp bag oszlcz zaxx burberry diaper bag hopbdu csuo

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous12:41 AM

    burberry aqqsek liyt burberry bags uckgko ajxj burberry bags jxzlgh njxj www.specjerseys.com fnvfbi plhg ugg outlet skskkc ngoj http://www.2lv6.com ptteav xfhn ugg outlet mdcsdl bfiq ugg usa mpwvdw gcju http://www.jg20.com zxiwyp aeux michael kors online outlet tmnwpc ubho michael kors outlet fazdhl ramb longchamp outlet online lkwidn qawc http://www.9dcu.com clqtwd ikpn longchamp bag qpsilo nxdb burberry outlet kagxqx groz

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous4:08 PM


    Excellent article. I will be facing a few of these issues as well..

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous10:49 AM

    I was just seeking this info for a while. After 6 hours of

    continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your
    web site. I wonder what is the lack of

    Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list.


    Normally the top websites are full of garbage.

    Here is my webpage ... batxillerat.blogspot.fr
    Here is my web-site ... do-it-yourself solar powered energy

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous6:36 AM

    There is definately a lot to find out about this subject.
    I love all of the points you made.

    My web blog buy structured settlement

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous7:44 AM

    Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog
    and wanted to mention that I have truly enjoyed browsing your
    blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

    Also visit my blog - cash for structured settlement

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous11:29 AM

    This post is priceless. How can I find out more?

    My website: sell structured settlement for cash

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous7:49 PM

    http://www.dressaleuk.co.uk You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a moose, bea鈥? [url=http://www.zoeroad.com]unique prom dresses[/url]
    [url=http://www.xmpllc.com]wedding dresses vera wang[/url] xloatdgt A lot of women wont have the typical breaking of water either. gvcypccz http://www.mulberrylondonshop.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous4:19 AM

    [url=http://www.thomassaboss.co.uk]thomas sabo outlet[/url] There are may travel agents in Brazil that often pair the cost of airfare with accommodations or activities. [url=http://www.thomassaboss.co.uk]thomas sabo[/url]
    [url=http://www.xmpllc.com]lace wedding dress[/url] kuwxwynq To avoid these scams, the World Privacy Forum recommends that consumers order their free annual credit report by phone, not online.. fjbibvrb [url=http://www.mulberrylondonshop.co.uk]mulberry outlet[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous1:02 PM

    Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you're

    utilizing? I've loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you recommend a good

    web hosting provider at a honest price?

    Many thanks, I appreciate it!
    Feel free to surf my website :: blogspot.fr

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous3:50 AM

    [url=http://www.thomassaboss.co.uk]thomas sabo uk[/url] Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.. [url=http://www.zoeroad.com]girls prom dresses[/url]
    [url=http://www.xmpllc.com]lace wedding dress[/url] qctjfglw I will have one every two months. dhhcldia [url=http://www.mulberrylondonshop.co.uk]mulberry handbags outle[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous4:55 AM

    I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information.
    This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going
    to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week.

    I opted in for your Feed too.

    Stop by my web-site: wiki.mes-fourwinds.org

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous3:41 AM

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I
    provide credit and sources back to your

    site? My blog is in the exact same niche

    as yours and my users would really benefit from a lot of the
    information you present here. Please let me know if this
    ok with you.

    Appreciate it!
    Feel free to surf my blog : http://www.yakyaihost.net/member/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=ShilohDavis1990

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous4:06 PM

    When someone writes an post he/she keeps the thought of a user
    in his/her mind that how a user can be aware of it. So that's why this post is outstdanding. Thanks!

    Also visit my web page: causes du cancer cerveau

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous7:42 AM

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually recognise what you're talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my site =). We may have a link change contract among us

    my website embarazo de 36 semanas

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anonymous2:24 AM

    Awesome post.

    Also visit my web-site :: flöde

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous11:30 PM

    A person essentially lend a hand to make critically posts I would state.
    That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far?
    I amazed with the research you made to create this particular
    submit incredible. Magnificent task!

    Feel free to visit my homepage プラダ アウトレット

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous3:22 AM

    Hello mates, its great article regarding tutoringand entirely explained, keep it up all the time.


    Here is my homepage; ブランドコピー販売

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous2:27 PM

    Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

    Review my blog Semanas de Embarazo

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous12:24 PM

    Your style is so unique compared to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just
    bookmark this web site.

    Review my web-site :: types du cancer

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous8:41 PM

    wonderful put up, very informative. I wonder why
    the opposite experts of this sector don't understand this.

    You must continue your writing. I am sure, you've a huge
    readers'

    base already!
    My webpage - beta.lifeprofit.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous6:11 PM

    I almost never leave a response, but i did a few searching and wound up here "Virginia City's Lively Ghosts".
    And I actually do have a few questions for you
    if you usually do not mind. Is it just me or does it look like
    a few of the responses come across like they are written by brain dead visitors?
    :-P And, if you are posting on other places, I would like to keep up with anything new
    you have to post. Could you list of all of
    all your community pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?


    Look at my web site ... male hair loss prevention

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous7:09 AM

    I was very happy to discover this site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!

    ! I definitely loved every part of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information in your website.


    My web-site ... hao123

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous11:12 AM

    Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in
    a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information
    to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

    Also visit my website - Web Site

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous3:46 PM

    Good article. I am going through some of
    these issues as well..

    Look into my web page visit this website

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous6:44 PM

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your website provided us with valuable info to work on.
    You've done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

    Have a look at my blog post visit this site

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous12:49 AM

    I am really inspired with your writing talents as well as with the layout
    in your weblog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself?

    Either way stay up the excellent high quality writing, it is uncommon to see a great weblog like this one nowadays.

    .

    Here is my site; click here to read

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous1:49 AM

    Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hello there, You have performed a fantastic job.
    I'll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am sure they'll be benefited from this site.


    Here is my web-site; http://mariasibert123.newsvine.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous12:57 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous8:56 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

More Than Meets the Eye in Wendover

  On the surface, the town of Wendover doesn’t appear to be a place with much history. But look a little closer and you’ll find plenty of in...