# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Historical Trips

Virginia City Bars

Virginia City is a historical jewel, a well-preserved silver mining town just south of Reno in the mountains. Here, the Comstock lode brought thousands of prospectors to make their fortunes. Mining is thirsty work, and a variety of bars sprung up in Virginia City. Some have been converted to bar-restaurants, others are primarily watering holes. C Street is the main drag in the city, coinciding with State Highway 341.

Bucket of Blood Saloon
- The Bucket of Blood Saloon is Virginia City's most famous bar. It was established in 1876, just after the Great Fire of Virginia City. Visitors should not miss the historical marker about African-Americans in Nevada, located around the corner from C Street/State Highway 341. The history starts at the wooden boardwalk and continues inside with an old-fashioned bar. The walls are packed with decorative clutter and old-fashioned decor. The bar has been in the McBride family since 1931. It once boasted famous patrons like Mark Twain, and to this day hosts musical gigs.
  
  Bucket of Blood Saloon
  1 South C Street
  Virginia City, NV 89440
  (775) 847-0322
  bucketofbloodsaloonvc.com
Red Dog Saloon
- The Red Dog Saloon dates back to just after the Great Fire. There is a full bar here, but the current owners have also turned it into a pizzeria and music venue. The saloon has an interesting musical history: its first house band was the Charlatans, in which Janis Joplin also played. This Virginia City bar's claim to fame is that it launched the San Francisco hippy music scene. After changing hands several times, the current owners now regularly stage live gigs at the saloon.
  
  Red Dog Saloon
  76 North C Street
  Virginia City, NV 89440
  (775) 847-7474
  reddogvc.com
The Old Washoe Club
- The Old Washoe Club is a bar-casino which was founded in 1862, predating the Great Fire. Much of its décor is original, down to the bar mirror and floors. Like most of Virginia City, the club is reportedly haunted. There used to be a Millionaires' Club upstairs, but that section is closed to the public. The Millionaires' Club is where the newly-rich went to get away from the "rabble" and is reputed to have been the scene of several violent crimes and tawdry events.
  
  The Old Washoe Club
  112 South C Street
  Virginia City, NV 89440
  (775) 847-7210
  myspace.com/theoldwashoeclub
Ponderosa Saloon and Mine
- The Ponderosa Saloon and Mine used to be a bank but has been converted into a bar and tourist attraction where you can go on 35-minute guided tour and have a drink. The bar lies over an old mine shaft and visitors can still see the original safe and bank fittings. The tour takes in some of the surrounding area and not just the hidden mine shaft.
  
  Ponderosa Saloon and Mine
  106 S C Street
  Virginia City, NV 89440
  (775) 847-0757
  visitvirginiacitynv.com/attractions_ponderosamine.aspx