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

Ships of the Nevada Desert

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

1. Ships of the Nevada Desert Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Camels first arrived in Virginia City in April, 1964. The U.S. Camel Corps was disbanded in 1863, and the animals sold to Nevada traders. Camels were used for hauling freight, firewood, and marsh salt use in refining silver ore. Although one camel could replace three mules, they frightened horses, women and caused runaways, stampedes, and general chaos. Cheaper freighters and public sentiment against the camels caused their decline. They were turned out on the desert in the 1870’s and 80’s; the last was seen in 1912.

Erected 1980 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter No. 1864, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 69.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1964.

Location. 39° 18.66′ N, 119° 38.897′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is at the intersection of E Street and Union Street on E Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Virginia and Truckee Railroad (here, next to this marker); Chinatown (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans and the Boston Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary Louise Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Light District (within shouting distance of this marker); C & C Mining Works (within shouting distance of this marker); The Union Brewery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Big Bonanza (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of the Comstock History Center. On the opposite side of the monument is the "Virginia and Truckee Railroad" marker.

Also see . . . U.S. Camel Corps - Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 5, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. U.S. Camel Corps

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

2. Ships of the Nevada Desert Marker

Note the 'camels' on the monument.

The Comstock History Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

3. The Comstock History Center

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 661 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.