When it came to finding a place to stay in Virginia City, I decided we should hang our hats at the town’s oldest operating hotel, the Silver Queen. Built in 1876, the Silver Queen is dubbed such for its towering 16 foot portrait of a woman wearing a dress made up of 3,261 genuine silver dollars. Why 3,261? It honors the deepest mine in Virginia City that was 3,261 feet deep. The portrait looks over a long bar that dates to the 1800s, and the building was once home to Mark Twain who operated his Territorial Enterprises within the walls. Those looking to get hitched can do so by the Pistol Packin’ Preacher inside the small wedding chapel that rests beyond the bar.

Always one for an adventure in unique hotel experiences, I selected room 11, which is said to be haunted by Rosie, a “lady of the night” that reportedly killed herself within the room. Some stories have circulated that she took her life in the bathtub that resides within the room, and I mean, the room, not the bathroom. While we didn’t have any out of the ordinary experiences (it’s said Rosie doesn’t like female guests), others who have stayed in room 11 have reported hearing tapping on their door, whispers, even growling. Additionally, while the hallways have since been carpeted, loud footsteps that sound like they are on wood floors have also been reported.

If you’re up for spending the night in a potentially haunted room, you can book your stay through the Silver Queen’s website. Not brave enough for a whole night? You can still visit the bar for a sarsaparilla or perhaps something harder at 28 North C Street in Virginia City.

What’s Nearby?

Mackay Mansion

The Way It Was Museum

Sources
“A Sleepless Night at the Silver Queen” Mysterious Destinations Magazine.
Deach, Ben. “Silver State Sights: The Silver Queen Hotel.” KOLO8 ABC, 13 August 2018.
“Silver Queen Hotel.” Travel Nevada.