Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Great Fire of 1875

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

1. The Great Fire of 1875 Marker

Inscription. Early in the morning on October 26, 1875 fire broke out in Kate Shea’s Boarding House. A strong wind quickly spread the fire. Gallant attempts from the volunteer firemen to extinguish the blaze were futile.

By 11:00 A.M., most of the city had been reduced to ashes. By 2 P.M., the flames of the greatest conflagration ever to sweep through the Comstock had ceased.

About two thousand buildings were lost. Estimated loses for the fire was $10,000,000.
Dedicated June 26, 2004 (6009)
Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864
E Clampus Vitus

Erected 2004 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Notable Buildings • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 2004.

Location. 39° 18.54′ N, 119° 39′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on C Street (Nevada Route 341), on the right when traveling north. Building is located Between Washington Street and Taylor Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Reno Area.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: V & T Car No. 13 (here, next to this marker); Bob (a few steps from this marker); “Sixty-Two” Building (a few steps from this marker); The Millionaires Club

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(within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Julia C. Bulette (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Morris Pinschower Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonner Shaft of the Gould & Curry Mine (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

More about this marker. The marker is located to the left of the entrance door to the Nevada State Firemen's Museum - Liberty Engine Company No.1 Building.

Also see . . . The Virginia City Great Fire of 1875. Intermountain Histories website entry (Submitted on May 24, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The Nevada Firemen's Museum - Liberty Engine Company No.1 Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

2. The Nevada Firemen's Museum - Liberty Engine Company No.1 Building

A Second Marker (Mounted on Building) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

3. A Second Marker (Mounted on Building)

[This marker is mounted on the right corner of the building]
"This flag pole has been donated to the citizens of Virginia City by Nevada Controls, LLC, Merit Electric and the Gordon Harris Family.
It is in celebration of the 150 years that Virginia City has been a city, and for the efforts of the Volunteer Fire Department For those many years."

Flag Pole Mentioned in Second Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

4. Flag Pole Mentioned in Second Marker

South Side of Firemen's Museum with View of Flag Pole. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

5. South Side of Firemen's Museum with View of Flag Pole.

Fire Bell at Top of Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009

6. Fire Bell at Top of Building

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,690 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on August 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on August 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.