The Way It Was Museum

The museum displays the most complete collection of Comstock mining artifacts in the world plus rare photos, lithographs and maps of the "Bonanza" period. Virginia City's history is widely celebrated downtown with a multitude of museums featuring Mark Twain's writing, the years of radio inspired by bonanza king and telecom giant John Mackay, the critical importance of police and fire, the connection with famous Madame Julia Bulette and the role of a Civil War general.At the top of the list as a must see, the "Way It Was Museum" takes visitors back in time to show how things that mattered in life worked for Virginia City. A few steps in the museum, and you can see the works of milling and mining with old Cornish pumps. Also check out costumed mannequins, mineral collections, a fully-equipped blacksmith shop, rare photographs and information on the Sutro tunnel mule train. The tunnel, created by San Francisco investor Adolph Sutro in 1869, was designed to ventilate the mines, drain water and provide escape for miners.