Virginia Range

The Virginia Range is a mountain range of western Nevada, primarily within Storey County, and extending east into Lyon County. The range is named after James Finney, "Old Virginny", an early discoverer of gold associated with the Comstock Lode.[1]:5,13–14

Not to be confused with Virginia Mountains.
The Bullion Mine and mountain of the Virginia Range, Virginia City, Nevada.
Photograph by Carleton Watkins.

Geography

The mountain range forms a portion of the drainage divide between the Truckee River (north) and the Carson River (south).[2] Truckee Meadows and the Washoe Valley are to the west, and the Lahontan Valley is to the east. It is associated with the Flowery Range.[3]

Several paths lead into the Virginia Range.[3] The highest peak is Mount Davidson at 7864 ft / 2397 m, near Virginia City, Nevada.[4] Other nearby peaks are Mount Bullion at 7682 ft / 2341 m[5] and Ophir Hill at 7782 ft / 2372 m.[6]

Flora

Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) is the dominant species at higher elevations. Other trees in the range include the Single-leaf Pinyon Pine (Pinus monophylla) and Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma).

Mining history

For the notable 1860s silver strike and mining town in the Virginia Range, see:

References
  1. Smith, G.H., 1943, The History of the Comstock Lode, 1850–1997, Reno: University of Nevada Press, ISBN 1888035048
  2. "Boundary Descriptions and Names of Regions, Subregions, Accounting Units and Cataloging Units". USGS.gov. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  3. "Virginia Range (NV)". November 8, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  4. "Mount Davidson (NV)". June 15, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  5. "Mount Bullion (NV)". Sep 13, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  6. "Ophir Hill (NV)". Jan 23, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2016.

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