Virtual Roadtrip: The Mackay Mansion

One of the few remaining original structures in Virginia City

Stop #8 on our Virtual Road Trip is the Mackay Mansion in Virginia City, Nevada. The Italianate style brick Victorian mansion was built in 1859/1860 for geologist and mine superintendent, George Hearst. The mansion served two purposes: as the office for the Gould and Curry Mining Company and as a residence for the superintendent. Hearst arrived in Virginia City as one of the early investors in the silver and gold Comstock mines, leaving fairly quickly after making a few million dollars on his investments.

In 1875, Virginia City was almost completely burned to the ground, but the mansion survived. John Mackay purchased the mansion after having lost his home to the fire. Mackay had been mining in Virginia City since 1859 and was one of the four “Bonanza Kings.” His business partners were James Fair, James Flood, and William O’Brien. At the time, they were among the wealthiest people in America!!

The guided tour begins in the first-floor mining office of the Consolidated Virginia Mining Company. This is where you will be introduced to the Bonanza Kings and life in Virginia City. Your tour will then continue through this impressive 3-story mansion with its ornate furnishings and a lavish garden. It is one of the few remaining structures that survived the fire— the interior has original furniture, carpet, wallpaper, chandeliers, and more.

Tour Tip: We’ve visited the mansion multiple times and can tell you from experience that every tour is different. There are so many stories to be told about the mansion, it really depends upon the interests and questions from the tour group. Here are some good questions to ask: Where is the hidden safe? Are there ghosts? Where did Johnny Depp sleep when he spent the night? After the tour you will have a better appreciation of what’s underneath the surface as you walk along the Virginia City streets.

Following the Connection

Virginia City is such a unique destination, being one of only a few places in the United States that can transports you back over 150 years. There are so many directions you could go after a visit to Virginia City. To fully understand what was happening there and the dozens of other mining towns in the West, head to the National Mining Museum & Hall of Fame in Leadville.

Next Stop: National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum, Leadville, Colorado

Detour: George Hearst left Virginia City for Park City and continued to invest in various mines from South Dakota to Utah. As a vacation camping spot for his family, George purchased 40,000 acres with views of the Pacific Ocean in Central California. He also purchased the San Francisco Daily Examiner. After his death in 1891, his son, William Randolph, would build Hearst Castle on that land and the Daily Examiner would become the beginning of the Hearst media empire. That story continues at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.

Photo Credit: Tom Hilton

Plan Your Trip

Virginia City is less than a 30-minute drive from Reno and Carson City, Nevada. The city maintains its Old West charm with wooden sidewalks, preserved and refurbished buildings, and plenty of activities for the entire family. If you want to immerse yourself in authentic Virginia City, we have listed a few hotels and saloons that would provide such an experience. Otherwise, we suggest a day trip to Virginia City from nearby Carson City or Reno. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning a trip to the museum.