Virginia City
National Historic Landmark District · Virginia City, Montana
A gold rush town of 1863 in the Ruby Valley, briefly the richest place in the northern Rockies and the capital of Montana Territory from 1865 to 1875, which was then simply left alone as the gold ran out. Roughly a hundred original buildings still stand along Wallace Street, many with their original contents in place — a preserved town rather than a reconstructed one, which is the distinction that matters. Nevada City is a mile and a half down the road, and the two together are a National Historic Landmark district.
Wallace Street, Virginia City, Montana, 59755, United States
Strongly seasonal. Most businesses, museums and attractions operate from roughly late May to late September, with the fullest programme in July and August; from October to May the majority of the town is closed and there are almost no services. Wallace Street itself is a public street and free to walk at any time. Individual building admissions, the Nevada City open-air museum, the steam railroad and the Opera House theatre are each ticketed separately, with combination tickets available.