Historical Markers in
Storey County, Nevada

601's African Americans and the Boston Saloon African Americans And The Boston Saloon Assay Office and Justice Court Bank of California Banner Brothers Building BOB Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine C & C Mining Works C. J. Prescott House Captain Edward Faris Storey Chinatown Chinatown Chollar Mine Chollar – Potosi Mining Co. Col. Morris Pinschower Building Combination Shaft Consolidated Virginia & California Pan Mill E Clampus Vitus Building Eagle Engine Co. No.3 Engineering Marvels on the Comstock First Presbyterian Church Fort Homestead, Gold Hill, Nevada Founders of Julia C. Bulette Chapter Fourth Ward School Frank Bell Gold Hill Gold Hill Brewery Gold Hill Hotel Gold Hill Millionaires Gould & Curry Offices Hale & Norcross Mining Co. I.O.O.F. Monument In Memory of Julia C. Bulette John Pearson John William Mackay John “Snowshoe” Thompson / James T. Fennimore Liberty Engine Co. No.1 Liberty Engine Company No. 1 Life in Virginia City on the Comstock Lode Lousetown Mackay Mansion Mackay Mansion Mark Twain Mary Jane Simpson Maynard Block Michelson Residence Old Geiger Grade Old Miners Union Hall Ophir Grade Piper’s Opera House Red Dog Saloon Red Light District Savage Mansion (c. 1861) Savage Mining Co. Ships of the Nevada Desert Silver Terrace Cemeteries Site of International Hotels St. Mary Louise Hospital St. Mary's in the Mountains Storey County Courthouse The Big Bonanza The Comstock Lode The Comstock Trail and History Kiosk The Crystal Bar The Delta The Fourth Ward School The Glory of Solidarity and Fraternity The Great Fire of 1875 The Great Fire of 1875 The Jewish Cemetery - Virginia City 1862 The Millionaires Club The Nevada Bank of San Francisco The Pioneer Church The Piper - Beebe House The Storey County Jail The Territorial Enterprise The Union Brewery The Yellow Jacket Mine Fire V & T Car No. 13 V & T, 1869 - 1950 Veterans Day November 11th 1995 Virginia & Gold Hill Water Company Virginia and Truckee Railroad Virginia City Washoe Engine Co. No.4 William Sharon William Wright aka Dan De Quille Young America Engine Co. No. 2 “Sixty-Two” Building
Nevada became a state during the American Civil War: Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31, 1864, making it the 36th state. It was the first state to be admitted during Abraham Lincoln's presidency and was created to support the Union cause during the Civil War.
Storey County is a county located in the western part of the U.S. state of Nevada. It was established in 1861 and is one of Nevada's original nine counties. The county was named after Captain Edward Farris Storey, a member of the First Nevada Cavalry during the American Civil War.

The history of Storey County revolves around its mines, particularly the Comstock Lode, which was the first major silver discovery in the United States. The Comstock Lode was discovered in 1859 and quickly attracted thousands of miners to the area. The boomtown of Virginia City, located within Storey County, became the center of the mining activity and the largest city in Nevada during the late 19th century.

During its peak, Storey County experienced rapid growth and became known for its wild and rough reputation. The wealth generated from the Comstock Lode led to significant investments in infrastructure, including grand Victorian-style buildings, theaters, and a railroad. However, the mining boom declined in the late 1870s, leading to a period of economic decline and population loss for Storey County.

In the late 20th century, Storey County experienced a revival with the development of the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. The industrial center became home to several large technology and manufacturing companies, including Tesla's Gigafactory. Today, Storey County has a mix of historic sites from its mining days and contemporary industrial developments, making it a unique combination of the past and present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Storey County, Nevada.

  • 1861: Storey County was established on November 29 as a result of the Nevada Territorial Legislature's efforts to accommodate the booming Comstock Lode mining district.
  • 1862: The Virginia City was founded, becoming the county seat and principal community in Storey County.
  • 1864: The Nevada State Legislature admitted Nevada to the Union, making it the 36th state.
  • 1867: The Storey County Courthouse was built in Virginia City, which still stands as a historic landmark today.
  • 1875: The Mackay School of Mines was established in Virginia City, providing education and research opportunities in mining and metallurgy.
  • 1930s: The decline of mining activity led to a significant decrease in population and economic activity in Storey County.
  • 1954: The county's original courthouse was replaced with a new building, which continues to serve as the county courthouse.
  • 1961: The Nevada Legislature created the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, impacting Storey County and other counties around Lake Tahoe.
  • 1976: The Storey County Hospital in Virginia City closed its doors after serving the community for almost 100 years.
  • 1997: The Mustang Ranch, one of the most famous brothels in Nevada, reopened in Storey County after being closed for several years.
  • 2002: The Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, a large industrial park, was developed in Storey County, attracting companies such as Tesla and Google.