Virginia City and the Big Bonanza

In Virginia City and its Comstock Lode, miners worked one of the richest deposits of gold and silver ever found. Many places claim that title, but the precious metals retrieved between 1859 and 1880, with an equivalent value today in the billions of dollars, played an unprecedented role in industrial history. With cutting-edge technology, Comstock engineers shaped mining throughout the world for the next 50 years. Virginia Cityas wealth propelled several people to Congress and others into the nationas highest society. At the same time, those who settled in the mining district built a civilized, sophisticated place. Drawing on former glories, the popular television series Bonanza perpetuated the legend, capturing international audiences with 14 seasons of programs. As one of the nationas largest historic landmarks, the Comstock continues to welcome millions of visitors.

In this collection of vintage-photograph postcards, Ronald M. James and Susan A. James explore the city's past.