Near Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Nevada City

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

1. Nevada City Marker

Inscription. Nine booming gold camps sprawled along remote Alder Gulch in 1863. Nevada City and Virginia City were the largest. In December, 1863, Nevada City’s main street was the scene of the miner’s court and hanging of George Ives. This event was the catalyst for the forming of the Viglilantes.

Dozen of stores and cabins extended back six blocks, but by 1876 only a few residents remained at Nevada City. The gold dredges later came through leaving piles of tailings as big as barns and by 1920, the highway had cut the town in half. By 1955, Cora and Alfred Finney were the only residents. Charles and Sue Bovey began collecting buildings in the early 1940’s. Acquiring Nevada City from Lester and Mary Stiles, they began to place buildings here in 1959. Nevada City became a haven for endangered structures; today more than ninety buildings from across Montana line the streets. The State of Montana now maintains the historic resources at Nevada City.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1863.

Location. 45° 18.444′ N, 111° 58.114′ W. Marker is near Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is on State Highway 287. Nevada City, MT is located about 1.5 miles west of Virginia City, MT on Montana Highway 287. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Trial and Hanging of George Ives (a few steps from this marker); History Wins! (within shouting distance of this marker); Finney House (within shouting distance of this marker); An Important Era in Railroad History (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison County Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana’s Oldest Standing School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gallows Barn (about 300 feet away); Dr. Don L. Byam Residence (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Also see . . .
1. Nevada City - Outdoor History Museum. (Submitted on November 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Charlers Bovey (1907-1978). (Submitted on November 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

The Sedman House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

2. The Sedman House

Chinese Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

3. Chinese Store

The Linderman Building and Wagon Shop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

4. The Linderman Building and Wagon Shop

Criterion Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

5. Criterion Hall

Blacksmith Shop and Firehouse on Brewery Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009

6. Blacksmith Shop and Firehouse on Brewery Street

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.