Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Virginia City National Historic Landmark District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009
1. Virginia City National Historic Landmark District Marker
The spectacular gold discovery in Alder Gulch on May 26, 1863, led to the rapid growth of this colorful and legendary gold camp town. Thousands of fortune-seekers rushed to the area, and by 1864 the Virginia City area boasted 30,000 residents. Rough characters attracted by the gold rush gave Virginia City an unsavory reputation, but these were tempered by pioneers and their families who settled here and helped to shape the new frontier. After the creation of the Territory of Montana, Virginia City became the territorial capital, 1868-1875, and the Madison County seat. As the gold played out, Virginia Citys population dwindled. False-fronted commercial structures, simple log cabins and frame Victorian residences remained as testimony to the transitory gold rush. Among the first to recognize the historical and architectural significance of Virginia City were Charlie and Sue Bovey of Great Falls. They began to purchase and stabilize some of the fragile buildings in the early 1940s. The Boveys personal efforts and those of their son, Ford, resulted in the towns designation as a National Historic Landmark and its remarkable preservation as on of the most intact gold era towns in the West.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior In cooperation with the Montana Historical
this page online
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1777.
Location. 45° 17.573′ N, 111° 56.871′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is on Wallace Street (State Highway 287). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country and in Greater Bozeman. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop (here, next to this marker); Frank Prasch Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); J.F. Stoer Saloon (a few steps from this marker); S.L. Simpson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Buford Block (within shouting distance of this marker); S. R. Buford & Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Dance and Stuart Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Kramer Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.
Also see . . . Charlers Bovey (1907-1978). (Submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022
2. Virginia City National Historic Landmark District Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009
3. Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, ca. 1895
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009
4. Virginia City National Historic Landmark District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009
5. Henry Ellings Store
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2009
6. Content's Corner
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009
7. Madison County Courthouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2009
8. LaBeau's Jewelry Store, ca. 1863
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022
9. Virginia City
Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935. This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States,
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1962
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,334 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on October 28, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 9. submitted on October 28, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
