Virginia City Historic District (Virginia City, Montana) facts for kids
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Virginia City Historic District
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Virginia City, Montana |
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| Area | 20,000 acres (81 km2) |
| Built | 1863 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000435 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | July 4, 1961 |
The Virginia City Historic District is a special place in Virginia City, Montana, United States. It's recognized as a National Historic Landmark because it tells an amazing story about the American West. This district was officially named a landmark in 1966.
It includes more than 200 buildings from the 1800s. These buildings show what life was like during a huge gold rush. For ten years, Virginia City was even the capital of Montana!
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Discover Virginia City's Gold Rush History
How Virginia City Began
Virginia City started in the early 1860s. This happened after a lot of gold was found in a place called Alder Gulch. This gulch goes up into the mountains south of the city.
Many people came looking for gold, and the town grew very fast. By 1865, Virginia City was so big and successful that it became the capital of the Montana Territory.
Life in the Gold Rush
Alder Gulch was full of mining towns, big and small. In 1865, about 10,000 people lived there! Virginia City was the biggest of these towns.
It's also the only major town from that time that still exists today. Other mining towns disappeared as the gold economy slowed down.
Saving History: An Open-Air Museum
By the 1930s, large mining projects had destroyed or buried most of the other old towns. But Virginia City was saved!
In the 1940s, a couple named Charles and Sue Bovey started buying old, empty buildings. They carefully fixed them up. This turned Virginia City into a living museum where you can see history firsthand.
What Makes the District Special?
The historic district covers about 20,000 acres (81 square kilometers). This includes all of Virginia City and a big part of Alder Gulch where gold mining happened.
Old Buildings and Unique Styles
Many buildings in the city were built before the year 1900. A lot of them are from the 1860s, when the town was at its busiest.
Many shops and businesses are made of wood. They have special "false front" facades. These are tall, flat fronts that make the buildings look bigger than they really are.
Important Structures
The most famous building is the Madison County Courthouse. It was built in 1875.
You can also find some 19th-century buildings made of logs. These remind us of the very first days of Virginia City.
