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Historic Buildings of Virginia City: A Walking Tour
The discovery of gold in the 1860s changed the course of Montana's history. A massive gold find at Alder Gulch caused thousands of eager prospectors to swarm this area of southwest Montana. Seemingly overnight, the town of Virginia City sprung up. Montana grew quickly, and in 1864 was established as a new United States Territory. The town of Bannack briefly served as Territorial Capital, but by 1865, Virginia City had the honor of serving as Territorial Capital and hosting the legislature. For a decade, this town ruled over a vast swatch of land in the West. But this tenure was short, as the gold was mined out, and in 1875 the capital moved to the site of a another gold find - Helena. Virginia City's moment in the sun was brief, and with the decline of gold mining in the area, the city dwindled and the thousands of residents became hundreds.
Fortunately for future generations, the idea to preserve this important mining town and center of government came early, as far back as the 1899 meeting of the Montana Historical Society. Over the following decades many steps were taken to preserve the buildings and bring attention to their importance. In the middle of the 20th century, the move to save Virginia City for the future hit overdrive, thanks to the efforts of Charles and Sue Bovey. These dedicated preservations spent a small fortune buying up historic buildings and land across Montana, with a strong focus on Virginia City. They purchased old buildings, restored them, and in some cases commissioned full reconstructions of buildings that had been torn down or fallen apart. Towards the end of the 20th century, the Montana Heritage Commission purchased the Bovey holdings, ensuring that these important buildings would live on for future generations.
This digital exhibit combines historic photography dating back to the 1860s with historic architectural surveys performed in 1990 and updated in 2022. In this way, you can see the buildings as they were long ago, read about their history and construction, and take a look at how they appear today. You will be able to discover which buildings are authentic from the 19th century, which were reconstructed, and which were total reproductions created by Bovey Restorations. We encourage you to read the many fascinating documents in the Virginia City Historic Architecture Inventory Collection, which contains reports on nearly 300 Virginia City buildings. We have also included a link to a Google Street View for those buildings where one is available. Please note that the last Google Street View images were captured in 2008, and some buildings appear quite different today.
This digital exhibit is intended as a companion to our upcoming Virginia City Adventure Lab, a free geocaching tour available to public. If you plan to visit Virginia City in 2023, stay tuned here for the link to that Adventure Lab!
Bale of Hay Saloon
This small one-story log building with a false front was built prior to 1867. The original lot owner was Henry Schwenk, with John F. Stoer taking over about 1869. Stoer operated a saloon until about 1890, as seen in this photo. Smith and Boyd were the next owners, and as they operated a stable next door, the saloon took on the name Bale of Hay. The building was rebuilt after a significant interior fire in 1983, and remains open as a saloon.
Photo of J.F. Stoer Saloon circa 1864-1876
Google Street View 2008
Bob's Place (previously Content's Corner)
This two-story masonry building was built in 1864 by Solomon Content, and initially called Content's Corner. The first floor was occupied for decades by a series of grocers and clothiers, while the second floor briefly housed some of the Territorial Capital offices. From the 1940s through 1986, it was operated by Bob Gohn, a man blinded in a mining accident, under the name Bob's Place.
Circa 1868 photo of Clothing Store at the SW Corner of Jackson and Wallace Streets
Google Street View 2008
Bonanza Inn (previously Madison County Courthouse; St. Mary's Hospital)
This rambling one-story building was constructed about 1866, passing through a number of owners. It served as the first county courthouse from about 1866-1876. It next served as a St. Mary's Hospital for a few years, until the end of nearby gold mining. It has been in private hands for over a century, now serving as an inn.
1940s photo of the Bonanza Inn
(no Google Street View for this location)
S.R. Buford Store
This distinctive red brick building, with its arched doorways and windows, was constructed in 1875 by E.J Walter, replacing a small wooden building dating back to 1863. The cost of construction was too much for Walter, and he sold the building to Henry Elling in 1876. The Elling family owned the building for many years, but rented it out to Simeon R. Buford. Buford operated a large grocery and retail store which supplied many surrounding towns. After a brief tenure as a restaurant from 1903-1904, Buford's son Henry continued store operations through 1920. The appearance of the building today remains close to its original look.
Circa 1875 photo of S. R. Buford & Co.
Google Street View 2008
City Hall (previously Virginia City High School)
This two-story brick building was constructed in 1875, and opened in 1876 as a public school. It was expanded in 1910. An earthquake in 1959 damaged the building and led to the removal of the bell tower. The last students to attend this school graduated in 1976, at which point the building became the new City Hall. The building was eventually sold to Madison County, and was condemned and declared structurally unsound in 2010.
1919 photo of Virginia City High School
(no Google Street View for this location)
Daems (and Corbett) House
The one-story Daems house was built in 1864. The original property owner was J.H. Olmstead, and he may have constructed the house. The house passed through a number of owners, and for many decades was owned by various members of the Daems family. After recent restorations, it is now available to rent, along with the Corbett house alongside.
Circa 1930-1950 photo of Daems and Corbett Houses
(no Google Street View for this location)
Dance and Stuart Store
The building at this site is a 1950 reproduction of the original building constructed by James Stuart and Walter B. Dance in 1863. The original building had several owners, and served a number of purposes: store, post office, Chinese laundry, and private residence. The original building was demolished around 1925.
Circa 1870-1890 photo of North Side of Wallace Street
Google Street View 2008
Daylight Creek Gift Shop (previously Bull's Head; Metropolitan Meat Market)
George Gohn owned this property possibly as far back as 1863, where he built his first meat market called Bull's Head. He operated another meat market for a few years before setting up again in this location. A terrible fire ripped through the town in 1888, destroying the building on this location. Gohn rebuilt that same year, and operated the store until 1931. It has since passed through a number of owners and businesses, including a continuation of the grocery store, a printing press, and its current incarnation as a gift shop.
Circa 1900 photo of Metropolitan Meat Market
Google Street View 2008
Dudley Garage and Addition (2 buildings - previously Gem Saloon; L. H. Hershfield and Co. Banking Houses; Stonewall House Saloon; Richard O. Hickman General Merchandise; Ming Building; Pony Saloon)
Aside from the basic proportions, these 2 connected buildings bear little resemblance to their original design. The two-story stone building on this site was built in 1864, replacing the Gem Saloon. The second floor was used for a meeting place for the Territorial Legislature. This building had many owners and businesses over the years. In 1914 Lewis Dudley purchased the building and performed a major remodel to transform the building into an automobile garage, hence the redesigned entryway on the first floor, and the current appearance.
The small one-story addition on this site was originally called the Ming Building after John H. Ming. The small building housed both saloons and banks over the years. In 1925 Dudley tore it down and replaced it with a concrete structure as an addition to his main garage.
Circa 1885 photo of Richard O. Hickman General Merchandise and Pony Saloon
Circa 1865-1970 photo of Wallace Street, L. H. Hershfield and Co. Banking Houses
Google Street View 2008
Elling Bank (previously Nowlan and Weary Bank)
William Nowlan purchased this lot in 1864 and opened a bank with his partner Weary. Henry Elling took over the building in 1873 and operated Elling Bank there, in addition to the many other businesses he ran in town. The Elling family owned the building until 1954. It has since housed businesses including title companies and a beauty shop. The front of the building was restored in 2015 to match its original appearance. It now houses a tea shop.
1866 photo of Nowlan and Weary Bank
Circa 1880-1915 photo of Elling Bank Building
Google Street View 2008
Elling House
This stone house was built by Henry Elling 1876. A German immigrant, Elling owned several lucrative businesses and served as mayor of Virginia City.
Circa 1900-1930 photo of Henry Elling House
(no Google Street View for this location)
Elling Store
The 20th century false storefront at this location is a reproduction of the Elling clothing store, and was built in 1948. This is not the correct location of the original store, which was located a bit east of this spot.
Circa 1870 photo of Henry Elling Store
Google Street View 2008
Fairweather Inn (previously Young American Eating House; Anaconda Hotel)
The large, rambling building that serves a the Fairweather Inn today has its roots in a simple one-story structure dating back perhaps as far as 1865. This small building passed through many owners and businesses, serving first as the Young American Eating House, and over the next few decades as a saloon, butcher, and hotel. In the first half of the 20th century it was known as the Anaconda Inn, before being purchased by Humphrey's Gold Corporation in 1935. Over the years it has gone through significant expansions and remodeling, becoming the Fairweather Inn in 1946.
Circa 1940-1946 photo of Anaconda Hotel
Google Street View 2008
Gilbert Brewery
This two-story wood building was built in 1864, by partners Henry Gilbert, Christen Richter, and William Smith. The company produced Gilbert Beer until Prohibition put them out of business. They were able to produce and sell soda during Prohibition, but their attempts to re-enter the beer market after the repeal of the law was a failure.
Circa 1910 photo of Gilbert Brewery
(no Google Street View for this location)
George Gohn House
This combination stone and wood from house was built in two phases, 1864 after 1885, by butcher George Gohn. It has remained a private residence since, passing in and out of the hands of the Gohn family.
Circa 1910-1945 photo of George E. Gohn House (on left) and Jim Emslie House
Google Street View 2008
Green Front Boarding House and Restaurant
These small, wooden structures are conjoined. On the left, the Green Front Boarding House was built about 1865, with a later log addition added on the left side. Over the years it served as both a boarding house and brothel. The Green Front Restaurant next door was built of logs about 1875, and also served as both residence and brothel.
Circa 1920-1950 photo of Green Front, boarding house on left, restaurant on right
Google Street View 2008
Hangman's Building
Construction on this one-story log building began in 1863. Intended as a store, it would forever be remembered for another reason. Early in 1864, Vigilantes apprehended 5 men accused of being road agents. After a quick trial, they were strung up on a sturdy rafter inside this building, and hung. The building operated as a drug store for some years after that, until it was purchased by the Virginia City Water Company. This utility company was owned by Sarah Gammon Bickford, an African-American woman. The building now houses interpretive exhibits.
Circa 1895-1905 photo of building in Virginia City, Montana, where vigilantes hanged five men
Google Street View 2008
Zina Hoff House
This private residence was built in 1864. It passed through a number of different private owners, with one exception: the Methodist Church owned the building from 1902-1936.
1901 photo of Mrs. Slade's House
(no Google Street View for this location)
McGovern Store (previously Weston Hotel)
This one-story log structure has changed little since it was built in 1863. It operated primarily as a store, but also housed the Weston Hotel in the 1860s, and served as a dwelling in the following decades. Sisters Hanna and Mary McGovern moved their dry goods store into this building in 1910, and lived in the back.
Circa 1930-1940 photo of Hannah and Mary McGovern's Store
Google Street View 2008
McKay-McNulty House
This home which dates back to 1864 is unique: it is actually two homes, with a center connecting section built 5-10 years after the homes were built separately. This residence passed through many owners over the past 150 years.
Circa 1890-1920 photo of F. M. McNulty Home
Google Street View 2008
Methodist Church
Virginia City's Methodist Church was built in 1875 by D.C. Farwell. It has a distinctive appearance for the town, with a stone and stucco exterior, and remains mostly unchanged from its original 1875 design. It was used as a church through the early 1900s, and then became a school gym until 1935.
1944 photo of Methodist Church
(no Google Street View for this location)
Montana Post Building (previously City Bookstore; Roath and Company Jeweler; A.J. Oliver's Express Line; Clancy Saloon)
D.W. Tilton purchased this lot in 1863 and built the one-story log City Bookstore, which was also home to Roath and Company Jeweler and A.J. Oliver's Express Line. In 1864 Tilton purchased the Montana Post, the first newspaper of the territory. A large stone masonry print shop was erected behind the log building in 1865. The Post newspaper was sold in 1868 and moved publication to Helena. Other papers such as the Montanian and the Alder Gulch Times were printed here in the following decades. The City Bookstore remained in operation until 1900, when the building was transformed into the Clancy Saloon. The building, along with the neighboring Virginia Hotel, burned down in a fire in 1937. The building on the site now is a replica, completed in 1946. The original stone masonry print shop remains in the rear.
Circa 1950 photo of Montana Post Building
Google Street View 2008
Opera House (previously Old Stone Barn Theater)
The building now known as the Opera House has humble roots as an old stone barn. It was built circa 1900, replacing a wooden barn on the same spot. In 1949, a dance floor was installed, and the Virginia City Players began performing in what was initially called the Old Stone Barn Theater. They continue performing to this day.
1956 photo of horse-drawn stage at Opera House
Google Street View 2008
John H. Pankey House
This one-and-a-half story Victorian Gothic house was built in the 1870s. It passed through several families, including the Dahlers and the Pankeys. The appearance has changed over the years, and was remodeled in 1981 to match its original look. It currently serves as offices for a law firm and for the county.
Circa 1890-1920 photo of C. L. Dahler House
Google Street View 2008
Pioneer Bar (previously F.R. Merk and Company; Harrington, Baker, and Company; Little Club Saloon; Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #66)
This two-story stone building looks very similar to how it looked when it was built in 1866. F.R Merk purchased the building in 1867 to open a hardware store. Harrington, Baker, and Company operated a shoe store some years later in what was still referred to as "Merk's Stone Block." E.L. Smith purchased the building in 1888 to open a department store, and the building remained in the Smith family. The Little Club Saloon operated here during Prohibition, initially selling soft drinks. Bob Gohn took over the saloon until 1943 when he moved to Bob's Place. In 1946 it was sold to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, who used it for functions upstairs through 1978. The Pioneer Bar operated here beginning in 1947.
1867 photo of F. R. Merk & Co. Hardware Store
Google Street View 2008
Rank's Drug Store (previously Pfouts' Store; Masonic Lodge; Tootle, Leach, and Company; Hinchman and Morris Drug Store; Hinchman and Alward Drug Store)
Paris F. Pfouts, first mayor of Virginia City and president of the Vigilantes, built this stone two-story building in 1865 with his partner S. Russell. He operated his store on the first floor, and allowed his Masonic brothers to use the second floor as a lodge until they constructed a building next door in 1867. A business called Tootle, Leach, and Company operated here some time that year. That same year, Pfouts left town, and Russell took over the store, until Pfouts' brother W.G. took over in 1873. Under W.W. Morris in 1877, the building became a drug store, which it remains to this day. The Masons continue to use the upstairs room in addition to their lodge next door.
1944 photo of Rank's Drug Store
Google Street View 2008
Gracie Smith House (also known as Thomas Meagher Cabin)
This is a reconstruction of a small log cabin that was built in 1864. The widow of Thomas Meagher, who drowned while serving as Acting Governor of the Montana Territory in 1865, lived in that cabin from 1868-1870. The cabin burned in 1906. A reconstructed version of the cabin was built in 1945, possibly using pieces that survived the fire. It is currently available for vacation rental.
Circa 1890-1905 photo of Thomas Francis Meagher Residence
(no Google Street View for this location)
Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop (previously Sacramento Blacksmith Shop)
This structure was likely built in several phases in the mid-1860s. There is a small log cabin that is one of the earliest remaining buildings from the 1863 gold discovery. Over the next 15 years it was enlarged. It may have served as a dance hall initially, and then became Sacramento Blacksmith Shop. Charles F. Saurbier purchased the building in 1882 and ran the blacksmith shop until he died in 1934. His son Karl continued operations until 1947.
1944 photo of Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop
Google Street View 2008
Thompson-Hickman Museum (previously Virginia City Public Library; Virginia City Museum)
This construction of this two-story stone building was funded by William Boyce Thompson just after World War I. Thompson was born in Virginia City but moved to New York City, where he was quite successful. The building was built in honor of his father William, a prominent builder in early Virginia City. Instead of using it as a residence, it was donated to Madison County in 1922. Over the past century it has served as both a library and museum.
Circa 1920-1950 photo of Virginia City Public Library
Undated photo of Virginia City Museum
Google Street View 2008
Variety Store (previously Buttermore Variety Store)
This one-story store is a 1946 reproduction of the old Variety Store, which was torn down in 1920. It is now known as the Gypsy Arcade.
Circa 1900-1915 photo of Buttermore Variety Store
Google Street View 2008
Vigilante Barn (previously Baum, Angevine, and Maury; Taylor, Thompson, and Company; Gorham and Patton; San Francisco Meat Market; Star Stables; Elling, Buford, and Company)
This building, constructed by William Kiskadden in 1863, may be the first stone structure in Virginia City. For the first few years after opening, the building was divided up into multiple stores offering a variety of wares and foods. George Thexton purchased the building in 1871 to open Star Stables. Elling, Buford and Company took over the livery in 1880 and operated until the 1920s.
Circa 1920 photo of Old Kiskadden Livery Stable
Google Street View 2008
Wells Fargo Display (previously Ten Pin Alley Saloon; U.S Post Office)
This small building has housed many tenants and owners over the years. The first were James Ptorney and McClurg in 1863. Ten Pin Alley Saloon operated here in the 1870s until the Post Office moved into the spot in 1878. Wells Fargo moved to this location in 1899, a short hop from their original location 2 buildings west. It is now known as Calamity Jane's Gift Shop.
Undated photo of Wells Fargo Building
1880-1910 photo of original Wells Fargo Express Office (2 buildings over from this location)
Google Street View 2008
Bibliography
The information contained in the descriptions for each building comes from the Virginia City Historic Architecture Inventory Collection from the Thompson-Hickman Library in Virginia City.
Montana Department of Commerce. "History of Alder Gulch." Accessed December 2022. https://virginiacitymt.com/Preservation/Area-History
Photo Credits
Montana Historical Society Research Center
University of Montana Mansfield Library
