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

The Great Fire of 1875

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

1. The Great Fire of 1875 Marker

Inscription. The most spectacular calamity to befall Virginia City had its origins within fifty feet of this marker. Early on the morning of October 26, 1875 a coal oil lamp was knocked over in a nearby boarding house and burst into flames. Strong winds spread the blaze and thirty-three blocks of structures where leveled. The losses included St. Mary’s-in-the-Mountains Catholic Church, the Storey County Courthouse, Piper’s Opera House, the International Hotel, city offices and most of Virginia City’s business district. The offices and hoist works of nearby mines were also destroyed and there were several fire related deaths that day. A new hydrant system was established after the fire and a number of new hose houses such as this one, were constructed. This system still serves the community today, together with a volunteer fire department.

Erected by Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology/ Liberty Engine Company No. 1. (Marker Number 228.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1875.

Location. 39° 18.632′ N, 119° 39.056′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. It is on A Street north of Taylor Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 A Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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: The Piper - Beebe House (within shouting distance of this marker); Storey County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Storey County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Engine Co. No.3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Piper’s Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Piper’s Opera House (about 300 feet away); Michelson Residence (about 300 feet away); The Delta (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Also see . . . New Amended Text for Marker. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently updated the text of the roughly 260 state historical markers in Nevada. The Nevada SHPO placed the amended text of each individual marker on its website and will change the actual markers in the field as funding allows. Minor changes have been made to the marker for grammar and readability. In regards to content, the marker was amended to remove the references to fire related deaths and the system serving the community today. The link will take you to the Nevada SHPO page for the marker with the amended text. (Submitted on November 12, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)

Additional keywords.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2011

2. The Great Fire of 1875 Marker

Fires, Comstock Lode

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,161 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.