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.

Geography

The mountain range forms a portion of the drainage divide between the Truckee River (north) and the Carson River (south). 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. The highest peak is Mount Davidson at , near Virginia City, Nevada. Other nearby peaks are Mount Bullion at and Ophir Hill at .

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). <!---as the generally southwest-northeast range has unusual mostly acidic soils — most of Nevada is alkaline------>

Mining history

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

  • Comstock Lode
  • Virginia City, Nevada
  • Virginia City Historic District (Virginia City, Nevada)
  • National Register of Historic Places in Storey County, Nevada

References

  • Geology of the Virginia City Quadrangle, Nevada by GEORGE A. THOMPSON, 1950
  • Topology map

<!-- From USGS Carson City, NV 30x60 Quad -->