Columbus

Historical marker location:

Columbus, Montana

( Marker can be reached from Interstate 90 at milepost 419, on the right when traveling west.)

The town of Virginia City, Montana, was a major center of gold mining during the late 19th century. At its peak in the 1870s, the town had a population of over 10,000 and was the territorial capital of Montana. Today, Virginia City is a popular tourist destination and has been preserved as a living ghost town.