If you’re the kind of traveler who packs EMF detectors alongside travel guides and prefers history with a side of eerie, then Nevada’s Old Washoe Club should be at the top of your must-visit list. Nestled in the heart of Virginia City—a town that still echoes with the spirits of the Wild West—this legendary saloon and meeting hall has long been a magnet for history buffs and paranormal investigators alike. Known for its storied past, Victorian architecture, and ghostly residents, the Old Washoe Club is as mysterious as it is majestic. Whether you’re chasing ghosts or simply unraveling the fabric of the past, you’re in for a spine-tingling experience.
The History
Born in the Boomtown
The roots of the Old Washoe Club trace back to 1862, during the height of the Comstock Lode silver mining boom. Virginia City was bustling with prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs seeking their fortunes beneath Nevada’s dusty soil. To cater to the wealthy elite of these rugged mining magnates, the Washoe Club was founded as an exclusive gentlemen’s club—the first of its kind west of the Mississippi.
This wasn’t your average saloon. The club offered opulence in contrast to the gritty exterior of the frontier town. Lavish furnishings, a high-end bar, card rooms, reading lounges, and even a billiards room catered to the town’s elite. It was a place for powerful men to conduct business, toast to success, and escape the chaos of the mines. Over the years, the building served many roles—including a makeshift morgue after disastrous events—each layer adding more intrigue to its narrative.
The Building Itself
The Old Washoe Club is part of a larger three-story structure located on C Street, Virginia City’s main thoroughfare. The first floor functioned as the saloon—a space that still operates today and welcomes visitors and ghost hunters alike. The second floor housed the actual club rooms, where high society mingled behind velvet curtains. The third floor, most intriguingly, held the ‘Millionaire’s Club’—an even more exclusive retreat designated for the wealthiest of members.
The architecture of the building tells stories of grandeur and secrecy. With its opulent 19th-century details and worn wooden floors, walking through the rooms almost feels like stepping into a pocket of time. The whisper of silk skirts and cigar smoke lingers in the atmosphere, clinging to walls that have witnessed everything from scandal to sorrow.
Tragedy and Transition
As the silver boom faded and the town’s fortunes declined, so too did the membership and function of the Washoe Club. By the early 20th century, the elite club dissolved, and the building shifted uses repeatedly—serving as hotel rooms, storage space, and at times falling into neglect. One portion of the upper floors was even used as a morgue during particularly deadly events, such as epidemics and mining accidents. This morbid chapter would later fuel the building’s haunted reputation.
Despite its changes over the decades, the Old Washoe Club remarkably retains much of its original framework and antique charm. It stands today not only as a preserved relic of the Old West but also as a cornerstone in the world of supernatural explorations.
The Haunt
Ghostly Guests and Spiritual Evidences
The Old Washoe Club has earned its title as one of America’s most haunted locations—and for good reason. Paranormal investigators, including the team from Ghost Adventures, have flocked here for years, capturing countless EVPs, shadow figures, and eerie happenings. It’s often referred to as a “paranormal battery,” where energies seem to thrive and intensify over time.
The Blue Lady
One of the most commonly reported spirits is known as the Blue Lady. Thought to be the ghost of a 19th-century woman who met a tragic end—either through suicide or murder—she’s said to haunt the upper floors. Visitors have reported seeing an apparition wearing a flowing blue dress and catching glimpses of her in mirrors or standing at the ends of hallways. Cold spots often accompany her presence, and some claim to hear soft sobbing when she is near.
The Rear Staircase and Disembodied Sounds
One of the eeriest locations in the club is the spiral rear staircase. Many guests feel a sudden disorientation or dizziness here—often believed to be caused by the intense energy lingering in this part of the building. Phantom footsteps are commonly reported, even when the building is empty. Whispers, unexplained creaking, and the slam of doors are other frequent occurrences on ghost tours.
The Crypt and the Shadow Man
At one point, a room was used as a temporary morgue—the “Crypt Room,” as it’s called today. The cold, dark space is believed to hold residual energies from its brief yet bleak history. Paranormal teams often report EMF spikes here and have captured shadows flitting across the walls, with one in particular dubbed “The Shadow Man,” a tall, dark figure that has purportedly rushed up on guests, only to vanish just inches away.
Investigative Tools and Unforgettable Experiences
The Washoe Club actively welcomes paranormal investigators and tour groups. You’ll find that EVPs, digital recorders, motion sensors, and ghost-hunting apps frequently go into overdrive here. Personal experiences range from benign chills to more direct interactions—such as being touched, hair pulled, or hearing your name whispered in the stillness. Whether alone or with a team, many report a constant sense of being watched, especially on the decrepit upper levels.
Conclusion: Your Turn to Investigate
If you’re drawn to supernatural hotspots steeped in genuine historical significance, there’s no better stop than the Old Washoe Club. Its compelling mixture of 19th-century opulence and ghostly lore creates the perfect playground for both amateur and seasoned paranormal adventurers. With documented hauntings, accessible tours, and active spiritual energy, this Virginia City treasure offers more than just goosebumps—it offers a chance to peer through the veil.
Whether you’re chasing cold spots with a thermal cam or just soaking in the historic ambience with a haunted twist, the Old Washoe Club invites you to write your own chapter in its spirited saga. So bring your gadgets, keep your senses sharp, and prepare for an unforgettable exploration into the spectral heart of Nevada’s past.