Montana has had its share of gold rushes. When gold was discovered in Alder Canyon in the 1860s, it was yet another in a string of strikes.
Many small towns and cities sprouted up around the mining camps and the wealth pulled from Alder Canyon. Yet, only Virginia City has remained in a near complete state. Partially, this is because Virginia City was far enough from any known gold deposits that it wasn’t razed to make way for further gold discovery. Partially, it was due to the much later interest from Charles Bovey, heir to the General Mills fortune. During his life time, Charles and his wife had the town refurbished and reconstructed as a historic attraction open to visitors. The result is a main street lined with alternating food and goods concessions and educational displays. Visitors can learn about the grit and savvy of the men and women of the town.
Within easy walking distance of Virginia City is her sibling, Nevada City. While Nevada did not enjoy the same preservation as Virginia City, old structures have been moved and new models constructed to create a living history museum. The over 100 structures create a small town, complete with school house, stable, and so much more.
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