Located at 129 South D. Street in Storey County’s Virginia City is one of Nevada’s most haunted houses. Mackay Mansion is a gorgeous three-story Victorian house with a hand-carved staircase, business office, parlor, living room, and kitchen on the ground floor and bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. Once the home of mining magnate John Mackay, today, this stunning house is a museum and the home of many of Virginia City’s ghosts. One of the state’s most haunted houses located in the most haunted town makes sense, doesn’t it? Take a look.
Mining superintendent George Hearst built this gorgeous mansion in 1859.
joanna e./Yelp In fact, Hearst not only lived here but also ran his Gould and Curry Office mining agency from it as well. Back in the day, many buildings that served as mining offices were designated as mansions if they remotely resembled houses.
In the early 1870’s, Irish immigrant John Mackay moved into the mansion.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr Mackay had been in control of the Kentuck, Hale and Norcross, and Belcher Mines, as well as the Gould and Curry Office. Miraculously, the mansion survived the great Virginia City fire of 1875 that tore through the town causing $12 million in damages.
Mackay was known for his incredible woodworking talent, and much of the original furniture and ornate wood belonged to and were carved by Hearst and Mackay.
Travel Nevada/Flickr Mackay teamed up with James Fair, and the two men went on to discover the largest silver deposit in North America.
This mansion has the distinction of having the very first working bathroom in all of Virginia City.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
In addition to the exquisite furnishings and impressive mining history, Mackay Mansion is also rumored to be extremely haunted.
Travel Nevada/Flickr In fact, many paranormal “experts” claim the mansion is a melting pot full of Virginia City’s lost souls.
This vault was where Mackay kept his fortune, consisting largely of gold bullion.
Travel Nevada/Flickr One evening, a pair of bandits tried to rob him but were shot to death by a security guard. Their spirits are said to haunt this exact location.
One of the most cited ghosts is that of a little girl dressed in white.
Travel Nevada/Flickr In fact, when Johnny Depp stayed here while filming the movie Dead Man, he claims the little girl visited him in his room and sat on the foot of the bed. There is a second ghost of a little girl. Mansion staff named these two ghosts Lily and Emma. Many people who tour the house have reported feeling a tug on their clothing, likely the girls wanting to play.
One of the small upstairs bedrooms is constantly disheveled, and staff believes it is due to one of the little girls climbing into bed each night.
Travel Nevada/Flickr Another frequent apparition is that of an adult woman who floats around the second floor and who is also seen sitting in the living room. Many believe this may be Mrs. Mackay’s spirit.
Another oft-seen apparition is that of a busy woman — likely a former servant — who frequently climbs up and down the stairs.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Additionally, the apparition of an old Colonel hangs out in the kitchen and is also credited with (or blamed for) the sound of footsteps going up and down the stairs as well as unexplained noises coming from the third floor.
Travel Nevada/Flickr Finally, visitors have reported seeing a “shadow man” who is widely believed to be John Mackay himself.
Mackay Mansion, along with the rest of Virginia City’s Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1961.
Ken Lund/Flickr
John Mackay died in 1902 at the age of 70 while on a business trip in London, and his former mansion remains a hotbed of paranormal activity in a town chock full of ghosts.
joanna e./Yelp
In fact, Hearst not only lived here but also ran his Gould and Curry Office mining agency from it as well. Back in the day, many buildings that served as mining offices were designated as mansions if they remotely resembled houses.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Mackay had been in control of the Kentuck, Hale and Norcross, and Belcher Mines, as well as the Gould and Curry Office. Miraculously, the mansion survived the great Virginia City fire of 1875 that tore through the town causing $12 million in damages.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Mackay teamed up with James Fair, and the two men went on to discover the largest silver deposit in North America.
In fact, many paranormal “experts” claim the mansion is a melting pot full of Virginia City’s lost souls.
One evening, a pair of bandits tried to rob him but were shot to death by a security guard. Their spirits are said to haunt this exact location.
In fact, when Johnny Depp stayed here while filming the movie Dead Man, he claims the little girl visited him in his room and sat on the foot of the bed. There is a second ghost of a little girl. Mansion staff named these two ghosts Lily and Emma. Many people who tour the house have reported feeling a tug on their clothing, likely the girls wanting to play.
Another frequent apparition is that of an adult woman who floats around the second floor and who is also seen sitting in the living room. Many believe this may be Mrs. Mackay’s spirit.
Finally, visitors have reported seeing a “shadow man” who is widely believed to be John Mackay himself.
Ken Lund/Flickr
The story of one of Nevada’s most haunted houses is steeped in mining history which is characteristic for the area. The mansion and its living museum are open daily for public tours from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The gorgeous gazebo and party terrace can be rented for weddings, reunions, or other special events. For more information, please call (775) 847-0373 or visit their website or Facebook page.
Have you visited this unique historic haunted mansion? Did you experience any paranormal activity? Please share your experiences below.
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