"What a great story suffering from an awful marker placement. I'll bet one out of a hundred tourists who flock here every year will ever read, let alone see, this awesome marker." -- November 2007

NW corner of E and Union Sts. -- Virginia City

Original Date Visited: 7/7/07
Last Revisited: 10/24/22
Signed: No

Marker History: Chances are you've been to Virginia City and have never seen this marker or even heard of the Boston Saloon. Prior to 2015, Marker 266 was nothing more than a lone plaque that was mounted on the side of an ATM kiosk, and quite frankly, its placement seemed a bit rushed and left a lot to be desired. At my initial conquering in 2007, this marker blended in so well with C Street's busy scene that it was completely missed. Keep in mind that this is the main hub of tourist activity here, and most tourists are focused on the Delta, the Bucket of Blood, and so forth. Few, if any, are paying close attention here. I found it quite ironic that although it was located in the main buzz of the area, most people (most being tourists) regularly used this ATM yet they rarely if ever noticed the metal plaque that honored one of Virginia City's more fascinating and culturally impactful pieces of history. Living legends, regular locals and up to two million some odd tourists a year were still discovering this hidden metal sign.

And, maybe, that's precisely why it was removed sometime around 2011. It was a case of being completely hidden amongst the madness. Upon a quick visit to VC in 2010, Marker 266 nowhere to be found.

It took three years for Marker 266 to come back better than ever, and I'd like to think some of the concerns that I listed above (and had brought light to) had prompted the complete revitalization of this important, oft-neglected chapter on the Comstock. It turns out that the SHPO completely redid this marker just in time for Nevada's huge 150th sesquicentennial. 266 joined the fray of more than fifty historical markers receiving a complete face lift in 2015, except this time, 266 received special treatment. Marker 266 was turned into the Standard style we know simply to increase its visibility and was re-located some two blocks south of its former erroneous location. Personally, I like this new location better because it gets you away from the tourist buzz on C Street. Most importantly, it faces west up Union Street in view of the site of the former Boston Saloon, which was a bit ambiguous before. Down here on E Street it gives hunters some quiet time to reflect on this impactful piece of history.

All but one of the photos I have of Marker 266 were taken before its 2015 return so you can exactly why it was replaced.

Did You Know ...

... The Bucket of Blood Saloon was a featured backdrop on Season 2, Episode 10 of "How the States Got Their Shapes."

ee all 274 Nevada Fun Facts here

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Hidden Marker 266 before its disappearance in 2015 William A.G. Brown, the founder of the Boston Saloon

Exact Description:
Between 1866 and 1875, a remarkable business thrived directly behind this building. Free-born William A.G. Brown operated his Boston Saloon, serving Virginia City's African Americans. Archaeologists have revealed that Brown offered his customers finely prepared meals with the best cuts of meat. Shortly after Brown sold his business, the great fire of 1875 swept through town and destroyed the building.

There were rarely more than one hundred African Americans living in Virginia City, but they played varied and important roles in the community. Some African Americans pursued work as laborers, porters, and barbers. Others became affluent business owners, and a prominent doctor won widespread respect. By the 1870's, African America children attended integrated schools.

Prejudicial laws and racism placed hurtful restriction on the African Americans of Nevada. Fortunately, a prevalent pro-Union, anti-slavery attitude improved the lives of many African Americans who helped build Virginia City.