Virginia City, NV rose as the center for silver mining with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 & became the nation’s 1st industrial city. It was a bustling city that had cultural institutions like the opera & famous residents like Mark Twain. The Washoe Club opened its doors on B Street in the Reynolds Building on June 1, 1875. It was a luxurious space filled with giant plate glass windows & bronze statuettes & was nicknamed “The Millionaire’s Club” because it was where the rich & newly rich would drink, play games, & visit with prostitutes. Less than 5 months after opening, a fire burned through downtown, destroying a good amount of Virginia City, including the Washoe Club. It didn’t take long though for the club to find a new space – the trustee board for the club settled on a 3-story building on C street that even had a saloon on the bottom floor.
The local mines began to diminish, Virginia City’s population dwindled & the Washoe Club eventually closed in 1897. Because of the cities history with cave-ins, gunfights & greedy claim jumpers, it is no surprise that the Old Washoe Club is considered to be one of the most haunted locations in the West. Bar stools move on their own, the saloon doors will mysteriously swing open for ladies that are entering, & numerous shadow figures have been spotted on the upper floors. There are several spirits that are seen & felt in the Old Washoe Club & there is one spirit who has an affinity for alcohol. If you let a full shot of Bourbon linger too long at the bar, it will mysteriously be drained, & the staff will leave a full shot before leaving at night & it will be empty in the morning.
Who or what still lingers at the Old Washoe Club? Join us on episode 170 to hear more about this haunted location!
Sources: thewashoeclubmuseum.com, travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/washoe-clubs-haunted-history, travelnevada.com/museums/the-washoe-club-haunted-museum/, atlasobscura.com/places/the-washoe-club-haunted-museum-saloon, hauntedus.com/nevada/old-washoe-club/, paranormallegacy.com/the-history-of-washoe-club-virginia-city-nv/, onlyinyourstate.com/nevada/haunted-and-historic-place-nv/
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com