The Wild West Comes Alive In Virginia City, Montana

One of my favorite places to go in Montana is Virginia City.  It's loaded with Montana history and some really fun touristy things to do. It's the county seat of Gallatin County, and the entire town and surrounding area are a National Historic Landmark District called the Virginia City Historic District.

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Check Out Livestock Brands Going All The Way Back To The Montana Territory

The History Of Virginia City, Montana

From Visit Montana,

"Virginia City was born with the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch in 1863. A boomtown of the post Civil War era, Virginia City served as the Montana Territorial Capital for 10 years, until the gold ran out."

From Wikipedia, gold was found near Alder Creek in May 1863, and by June, the town of Varina was formed. The name was in honor of the only Confederate First Lady, Varina Davis.  When the name was being registered, a judge in Connecticut objected to their choice, due to the Confederate name, and gave the town the name of Virginia City.

Youtube//House of Hoofyfoot
Youtube//House of Hoofyfoot
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Historical Things To Note That Started In Virginia City, Montana

Learn How Bannack Ended Up Killing Their Own Sheriff

Today In Virginia City, Montana

Now days, when you take a trip to Virginia City, you can expect

" Original buildings, dating from the Territorial days, (that) are filled with merchandise and implements used when gold camps flourished in the West. Boardwalks, mechanical music machines, a penny arcade, antique automobiles and even a two-story outhouse add to the Old West atmosphere."  -Visit Montana

Virginia City has that and a lot more to offer.  Make a day of it the next time you're out exploring Big Sky Country.

Virginia City, Montana

Virginia City, Montana

Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren

Check Out This Montana Ghost Town

Garnet Ghost Town

Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren

Montana Cattle Brands From 1873 To The Early 1900's

Montana Cattle Brands From 1873 To The Early 1900's

Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren

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