Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
African Americans And The Boston Saloon
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009
1. African Americans And The Boston Saloon Marker
Between 1866 and 1875, a remarkable business thrived directly behind building. Free-born William C. Brown operated his Boston Saloon, serving Virginia City’s African Americans. Archaeologists have revealed that Brown offered his customers finely prepared meals with the best cuts of meat. Shortly after Brown sold his business, The Great Fire of 1875 swept through town destroying the building.There were rarely more than one hundred African Americans living in Virginia City, but they played varied and important roles in the community. Some African Americans pursued work as laborers, porters, and barbers. Others became affluent business owners, and a prominent doctor won widespread respect. By the 1870s, African American children attended integrated schools.
Prejudicial laws and racism placed hurtful restrictions on the African Americans of Nevada. Fortunately, a prevalent pro-Union, anti-slavery attitude improved the lives of many African Americans who helped build Virginia City.
Don McBride and the Bucket of Blood Saloon
Reno-Sparks Branch of the NAACP,
this page online
Nevada State Historic Marker No. 266
Erected 2007 by Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, Don McBride and the Bucket of Blood Saloon and the Reno-Sparks Branch of the NAACP, Unit #1112. (Marker Number 266.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 39° 18.633′ N, 119° 38.969′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is on C Street (Nevada Route 341) near Union Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted on the side of the ATM Kiosk next to the Bucket of Blood Saloon building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 South C Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Founders of Julia C. Bulette Chapter (a few steps from this marker); The Delta (a few steps from this marker); Virginia City (a few steps from this marker); Site of International Hotels (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinatown (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Light District (within shouting distance of this marker); Mark Twain (within shouting distance
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009
2. African Americans And The Boston Saloon Marker
Also see . . . African Diaspora Archeology Network. Information and photos on the archeology dig at the Boston Saloon Site, 2000 (Submitted on August 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Comstock Lode
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,680 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
