SILVER QUEEN HOTEL
Stepping through the doors of the Silver Queen Hotel, immediately transports you back to the heyday of Virginia City’s mining boom. Built in 1876 on historic C Street, this impressive hotel stands as the oldest in town. With its 28 beautifully restored rooms featuring soaring 16-foot ceilings, the Silver Queen isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a piece of living history. The charm continues downstairs, where you’ll find an 1870s Saloon bar showcasing the original brick walls and creaky floors that speak of stories and tales of the past.
But it’s not just the stunning architecture or the awe-inspiring 15-foot portrait of the “Silver Queen,” adorned with 3,261 silver coins symbolising Virginia City’s deepest 3,261-foot mine, that make this spot legendary. The Silver Queen Hotel holds darker secrets. Once, its chapel doubled as a makeshift morgue, keeping the town’s dead safe when frozen grounds stood in the way of proper burials. Virginia City’s arduous mining work, fires, and grisly murders left behind a heavy atmosphere, and guests have reported strange happenings that suggest some spirits may still linger.
GHOST STORIES
The Silver Queen Hotel is a place where the spirits of its history are said to linger, among the most famous hauntings is that of Rosie, a lady of the night who tragically took her own life in Room 11 during the 1800s. Rosie is rumoured to make her presence known to male visitors, appearing at the top of the staircase or within the confines of her former room.
The room right next door was once occupied by Rosie’s male friend and business partner, guests have reported mysterious occurrences, suggesting Rosie may not be the only spirit tied to this part of the hotel. Another spectral presence, named Annie, has also been reported roaming the halls. Though little is known about her story, sightings and unexplained phenomena are frequently attributed to her.
Guests and staff alike have experienced eerie sounds such as loud footsteps on floors that are now carpeted, unexplained voices, and even the unsettling sensation of someone whispering or arguing nearby. Doors seem to have a life of their own, with knobs wobbling and knocks heard through empty spaces.
The paranormal activity doesn’t stop there. Lights flickering on and off, ghostly orbs seen in the chapel, and full-bodied apparitions appearing throughout the building only add to the hotel’s haunting reputation. For those brave enough to visit, the Silver Queen Hotel offers more than just a glimpse into history; it offers a chilling encounter with the unknown.
VISITING THE SILVER QUEEN HOTEL
Whether you’re seeking a memorable overnight escape, a unique wedding venue, or the perfect spot to enjoy a drink surrounded by history, the Silver Queen Hotel has it all! Marvel at the breathtaking Silver Queen portrait and immerse yourself in the hotel’s authentic charm, it’s like you’re truly stepping back in time. With ties to Mark Twain, a fascinating past, and ghost stories waiting to be discovered, the Silver Queen Hotel promises an experience like no other. Be sure to book your visit and uncover the magic for yourself!
If the history and hauntings of the Silver Queen Hotel intrigued you, you might want to read on about the glamour and ghosts of the Mackay Mansion, another captivating gem in Virginia City.
Thanks for reading!
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