Cities and Towns in Storey County, Nevada
Founded in 1861, Storey County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Storey County was one of the 7 original counties. The city of Virginia City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Storey County has a population of 4,143 and area of 264 square miles (684 km²).
List of all cities in Storey County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Gold Hill, NV | 89440 | 775 |
| Virginia City, NV | 89440 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Storey County, Nevada
Storey County, located in western Nevada, is known for its historic mining towns, particularly Virginia City, which is a centerpiece of the county’s history. The county is small but rich in heritage, offering a blend of rustic charm and mining history, set against the backdrop of the stunning Virginia Range. Below are the major cities and towns in Storey County, including details about their history, landmarks, and other key information.
Virginia City
Location and History
Virginia City, the county seat of Storey County, is perhaps the most iconic town in Nevada due to its deep ties to the state’s mining heritage. Situated on the slopes of Mount Davidson in the Virginia Range, Virginia City was founded in 1859 after the discovery of silver ore in the area, sparking the “Comstock Lode” silver rush. This discovery is considered one of the most important mining finds in U.S. history, and it quickly turned Virginia City into one of the most prosperous cities of the 19th century. During its peak in the 1860s and 1870s, the town had a population of over 25,000 people and became known for its wealth, political influence, and cultural significance. Although the silver supply eventually dwindled, Virginia City remained an important center for commerce and transportation throughout the years. Today, it stands as a preserved historic district, attracting tourists interested in its Old West heritage.
Major Schools
Virginia City is part of the Storey County School District, which operates a small number of schools in the region. The primary school for the area is Virginia City High School, which serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. The town’s small size means that most students attend this single institution, which offers a close-knit community atmosphere. For higher education, residents typically travel to nearby Reno, where the University of Nevada, Reno, and Truckee Meadows Community College offer a range of academic programs.
Major Landmarks
Virginia City’s greatest asset is its well-preserved historical sites, which attract visitors year-round. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and many of its buildings date back to the late 1800s. Key landmarks include the Virginia City Historic District, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad (which offers scenic train rides), and the St. Mary’s in the Mountains Catholic Church. Visitors can also tour the famous Comstock Lode mines, including the Chollar Mine and the Ponderosa Mine. The town is a popular destination for ghost tours, reenactments, and cultural events that showcase its history as a bustling mining town during the silver boom.
City Stats:
- Area: 2.8 square miles
- Population: 855 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89440
- Latitude: 39.3125° N
- Longitude: 119.6495° W
Gold Hill
Location and History
Gold Hill is a small community located just south of Virginia City, in Storey County. It was founded in 1859, shortly after the discovery of the Comstock Lode, and it grew rapidly as a mining town. Gold Hill was originally a thriving settlement, with many businesses and homes, due to its proximity to the rich silver and gold mines. The town is particularly well known for the Gold Hill Hotel, which opened in the 1860s and is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Nevada. Gold Hill’s population peaked during the height of the mining boom, but it steadily declined as mining activity diminished. Today, Gold Hill is a quiet, historic community with a population of just a few hundred residents, but it continues to attract visitors because of its preserved mining heritage and its role in the history of the Comstock Lode.
Major Schools
Like Virginia City, Gold Hill falls under the Storey County School District. Children from Gold Hill typically attend Virginia City High School and other schools in the nearby town of Virginia City. The town is not home to any major educational institutions but is part of the broader Washoe County area, where residents may also commute to schools in Reno for higher education.
Major Landmarks
Gold Hill is known for its historic buildings and mining-related sites. The most notable landmark is the Gold Hill Hotel, a beautifully preserved 19th-century structure that has been in continuous operation since 1861. The hotel, which is now a popular bed-and-breakfast, is said to be haunted and offers ghost tours. Other historical landmarks include the Gold Hill Depot, which was a stop for the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, and the nearby Gold Hill Mine, where visitors can explore the remains of the old mining operation. Gold Hill remains a quiet community, offering a glimpse into the past with its small-town charm and rich history.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 200 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89440
- Latitude: 39.3097° N
- Longitude: 119.6274° W
Dayton
Location and History
Dayton is one of the oldest towns in Nevada, located to the east of Virginia City, along the Carson River. It was founded in 1851, predating the discovery of the Comstock Lode. Dayton initially grew as a trading post and later as a stopover for travelers heading to the mines in Virginia City. As one of the first settlements in the area, Dayton played a critical role in the early development of the state. In the 1860s, the town was incorporated, and although it never reached the same level of prosperity as Virginia City, Dayton remained an important center for agriculture, ranching, and transportation. The town’s population grew slowly over the years and today is home to a tight-knit community that enjoys its historic charm and rural lifestyle.
Major Schools
Dayton is served by the Lyon County School District, which operates several educational facilities in the area. Dayton High School, which serves high school students, and several elementary and middle schools, provide the public education options for the town’s youth. The town is also within commuting distance of Reno, where residents can access more specialized educational institutions, including the University of Nevada, Reno.
Major Landmarks
Dayton is known for its historical significance as one of Nevada’s first settlements. The town has several notable landmarks, including the Dayton Historic District, where visitors can explore buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. Key sites include the Dayton Church, the Old Dayton Jail, and the Sutro Tunnel, an engineering marvel that was constructed to drain the Comstock Lode mines. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Dayton Valley offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, and nearby Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area provides a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and camping.
City Stats:
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 9,500 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89403
- Latitude: 39.2493° N
- Longitude: 119.5811° W
Lockwood
Location and History
Lockwood is a small unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Storey County, near the Truckee River. It was established in the 1860s as a railroad town and served as a key stop on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Over time, Lockwood grew as a commercial and industrial center, with mining and transportation playing significant roles in its development. However, as the mines played out and the railroad’s influence diminished, Lockwood’s population also decreased. Today, the community is primarily residential, with several businesses serving the needs of local residents and those commuting to nearby Reno or Virginia City. Although not as well-known as Virginia City, Lockwood offers a quieter, rural atmosphere with easy access to both urban and natural attractions.
Major Schools
Lockwood is part of the Washoe County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Reno. The closest public high school is Damonte Ranch High School, while middle and elementary schools are also accessible in the region. For higher education, many Lockwood residents attend the University of Nevada, Reno, or Truckee Meadows Community College.
Major Landmarks
Lockwood is a small community without many major tourist attractions, but it is known for its proximity to both natural and historic landmarks. The Truckee River, which runs through the area, provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking. Additionally, Lockwood is a gateway to the Virginia Range, where visitors can explore hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and mining remnants.
City Stats:
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89434
- Latitude: 39.5030° N
- Longitude: 119.5870° W
