A Historical Map of Virginia City Montana

Preserving Montana’s mining history in Virginia City

“Contained within this folder will be found a descriptive and illustrated good-natured map of Virginia City, Montana; giving the reader a brief historical drama of the most intensive and early day two-gun shooting spots in America. Without question there is not a grown person in the country but realizes that to relive those enchanting early days of exciting history, he must visit that particular spot in person. So here it was that – VIRGINA CITY – ALDER’S GOLD DUST – PLUMMER’S TWO-GUN DESPERADOS – together with a host of other stirring events became permanent outstanding landmarks of the early pioneering days of the West. Should you visit the West at some future time, do not fail to include Virginia City in your itinerary.” [Text, verso].

This interesting map of Virginia City, Montana was designed by G.A. Harmon and published locally by the Vigilance Club, a civic organization founded in 1938 to preserve the city’s early history. It uses a combination of illustrated vignettes, text captions, and contemporary photographs to outline the mining town and surrounding area to the audience.

Different landmarks are shown in various orientations to reflect their ‘real’ position, but it makes reading the map somewhat difficult! Historic information about mineral resources, vigilantes, and pioneer life in Virginia City can be found on the verso, along with a road map of the surrounding region.