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Comstock Cemeteries

These once-beautiful historic graveyards are set against the barren Virginia City hills.

Virginia City, Nevada

Comstock Cemeteries.   Don Graham/CC BY-SA 2.0
Comstock Cemeteries.   Don Graham/CC BY-SA 2.0
Abandoned mine next to the cemeteries   cl94 (Atlas Obscura User)
Mouny St. Mary Cemetery after a heavy snowfall in December 2023   cl94 (Atlas Obscura User)
Pet burial area   Mrsicee600 (Atlas Obscura User)
A view of the residences and the cemetery (in the background).   Don Graham/CC BY-SA 2.0
Comstock Cemeteries.   Ken Lund/CC BY-SA 2.0
Great example of the marble statuary used in the cemeteries   scionthewing (Atlas Obscura User)
Overview of the Comstock Cemeteries   scionthewing (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

Virginia City, home of Comstock Lode, the United States' first major discovery of a silver ore deposit in 1859, is also home to several captivating cemeteries.

Located side by side over many acres within the boundaries of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark, the cemeteries memorialize the diverse laborers who made Virginia City a boom town. Just as society at the time was divided ethnically, religiously and professionally, the cemeteries are likewise divided.

The cemeteries were once a collection of well kept Victorian parks, an oasis of green in a harsh desert. Currently erosion gullies, overgrowth and water run-off are all causing damage to the cemeteries, as well as vandalism, theft and counter productive restoration efforts. Some credit these 19th-century cemeteries to be the predecessors to America's national parks, though only glimpses of their former glory can be seen.

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Cemeteries Catacombs And Crypts Travelnevada

Know Before You Go

From Reno on US Highway 395 south to Nevada 341 east. The cemeteries will be visible from the north end of town. Take first left and another left into the city.

Community Contributors

Edited By

pauldbentz, scionthewing, Kerry Wolfe, breaingram...

Published

February 28, 2010

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