St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church

St. Mary's in the Mountains is a Gothic Revival stone church that sits above Virginia City with soaring arches and colored glass windows. The building features a prominent bell tower and is located at 111 South E Street within the historic district.

Construction began after the Great Fire of 1875 destroyed earlier buildings from 1860 during the Comstock mining boom. The current stone structure was completed in 1876 as the town recovered and rebuilt.

Irish immigrant miners and their families shaped this place and left their mark on how it serves the community today. You can sense their presence throughout the building and its role in the town's life.

The church is easy to reach on foot as it sits in the middle of Virginia City's historic district. Visitors can explore the main floor and view the interior details without hassle during open hours.

Inside the church stands an 1898 pipe organ crafted by William Schuelke that was originally built in Wisconsin. What sets it apart is a small separate keyboard dedicated solely to controlling the bell chimes.