The mountains near Virginia City, Nevada. Virga can be seen falling from the clouds. Like many cities and towns in Nevada, Virginia City was a mining boomtown; it developed virtually overnight as a result of miners rushing to the Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859 on the eastern slopes of Mount Davidson. But, Virginia City far surpassed all others for its peak of population, technological advancements developed there, and for providing the population base upon which Nevada qualified for statehood. The riches of the Comstock Lode inspired men to hunt for silver mines throughout Nevada and other parts of the American West. At its peak, Virginia City had a population of over 25,000 residents and was called the richest city in America. Dominated by San Francisco moneyed interests, Virginia City was heralded as the sophisticated interior partner of San Francisco. “San Francisco on the coast and Virginia City inland” became the mantra of west coast Victorian entrepreneurs. Early Virginia City settlers were in large part the backwash from San Francisco and the California Gold Rush, ten years before. Mine owners who made a killing in the Comstock mines spent most of their wealth in San Francisco.

Black and white image of three children involved in the Vacation Reading Club at the Boulder City Library. At the time of this photograph, the library was housed in the basement of the city's municipal building.

A colored postcard showing an artist's representation of Boulder City, Nevada. In the image, the outlines of the small city are distinctively marked by the stark contrast between the city's greenery and the surrounding red desert. Transcribed onto the top border of the image: "Boulder City, Nevada."

Note: Menu folds into its own enevelope. "Wishing you a happy New Year" printed on the "flaps;" "G.J. Cross" stamped on the back of the menu. Possibly from Barss House in Peru, Indiana, where G.J. Cross was the proprietor Location: United States

Black and white image of the municipal building in Boulder City.

The view of a city street surrounded by automobiles and buildings in Boulder City, Nevada. The Texaco Service Station and Boulder City Drugs store can be seen.