Nevada City, Montana – Outdoor History Museum
Nestled a mere 1.5 miles west of its renowned neighbor, Virginia City, lies Nevada City, Montana, a captivating outdoor history museum that offers a vivid glimpse into the rugged and transformative era of the American West. Born from the same gold rush that ignited Virginia City in 1863, Nevada City, Montana, emerged as one of several bustling settlements along Alder Gulch, a stretch of land that collectively became known as Fourteen-mile City. This vibrant collection of mining camps, including Summit, Adobetown, Central City, and Junction, painted a picture of rapid growth and relentless pursuit of fortune.
Nevada City, Montana, itself was a hub of activity, fueled by placer miners diligently working several mining districts. Browns Gulch, located just south of the town, and Granite Creek, about two miles northwest, were prime areas for prospectors seeking their golden dreams. These claims, along with others, would eventually be incorporated into the larger Virginia City Mining District, solidifying the area’s importance in the burgeoning gold rush.
Initially, the entire mining district fell under the jurisdiction of the Idaho Territory. Law was a scarce commodity in those early days, with the exception of the miner’s court, which served as a rudimentary form of justice. It wasn’t until 1865, when Virginia City ascended to the status of Montana’s territorial capital, that a more structured legal system began to take shape.
A pivotal moment in Nevada City, Montana‘s history occurred on December 19, 1863, when its main street transformed into the stage for the miners’ court trial of George Ives. Ives stood accused of the brutal murder of Nicholas Tibalt, a well-liked Dutchman. The trial, a spectacle that drew as many as 2,000 area residents, unfolded over three intense days. Ultimately, the miner’s jury found Ives guilty of shooting Tibalt before robbing him of his gold and mules.
Justice was swift and unforgiving in this frontier setting. Almost immediately after the guilty verdict was delivered, preparations began for Ives’ execution. A 40-foot pole was hastily thrust through the window of a nearby unfinished house, and a rope was secured to its end. A mere 58 minutes after his conviction, George Ives’ life came to an end on December 21, 1863. This landmark trial, conviction, and execution proved to be a catalyst for the formation of the notorious Montana Vigilantes, a group that would, in the following month, carry out the hanging of some 24 men deemed guilty by their own brand of frontier justice.
Nevada City, Montana experienced a period of rapid growth, quickly reaching its peak. Dozens of businesses and cabins sprung up, reflecting the town’s prosperity and promise. However, this boom was relatively short-lived. By 1869, the population had already dwindled to around 100 people. Despite its decline, the town still maintained a semblance of its former vitality, boasting three general stores, two saloons, a blacksmith, a butcher shop, a livery stable, a brewery, and a Masonic Hall. By 1876, however, Nevada City, Montana, had effectively become a ghost town, its residents lured away by the allure of new gold discoveries elsewhere.
During the initial five years of Alder Gulch’s golden era, an estimated 30 to 40 million dollars worth of gold was extracted from the district. While small-scale mining operations continued to work the original claims for several years, no major operations were undertaken until 1896. It was then that the Conrey Placer Mining Company was established with the ambitious goal of dredging the gulch.
In 1899, the dredges began their work, and for the next 24 years, they relentlessly processed over 37 million cubic yards of ground along a seven-mile stretch of Alder Gulch. By the time the dredges ceased their operations in 1923, they had recovered approximately ten million dollars in gold. However, this extraction came at a significant cost. Many of Nevada City, Montana‘s buildings were destroyed in the process. The dredges were subsequently disassembled, the equipment was sold for salvage, and the massive wooden barges were left to the elements, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Further destruction of original Nevada City, Montana buildings occurred when the highway was constructed through the area.
Despite these setbacks, a glimmer of hope remained. The few original buildings that survived were carefully preserved by the last residents of Nevada City, Montana – Cora and Alfred Finney. Their dedication to preserving the town’s history laid the foundation for its future as an outdoor museum.
In the 1950s, a couple named Charles and Sue Bovey entered the scene. They had been diligently collecting old Montana buildings since the 1940s, initially displaying many of them at the Great Falls fairgrounds in an exhibit known as "Old Town." However, in 1959, the Boveys were asked to remove the Old Town exhibit, prompting them to seek a new home for their collection.
The Boveys carefully disassembled the buildings and transported them to Nevada City, Montana, where they were meticulously reassembled on the town’s back streets. The town’s original layout was thoughtfully preserved, with the transplanted buildings placed on sites where previous structures had once stood. This marked a significant turning point in Nevada City, Montana‘s history, transforming it from a forgotten ghost town into a living testament to Montana’s past.
In 1964, a 1.5-mile railroad line was constructed, connecting Nevada City, Montana, to Virginia City, further enhancing the area’s appeal as a historical destination. A railroad museum was also established to protect and showcase old railroad equipment, adding another layer to the town’s historical narrative. The final building was moved to Nevada City, Montana, in 1978, completing the Boveys’ vision of a meticulously curated outdoor museum. New buildings were also constructed to authentically represent life in an early Montana settlement.
In 1997, the State of Montana recognized the immense historical value of the Bovey properties in Virginia and Nevada City, Montana, and purchased them, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility to the public.
Today, Nevada City, Montana, stands as a captivating outdoor historical museum, boasting a remarkable collection of historic buildings, artifacts, and furnishings. Owned by the State of Montana and operated by the Montana Heritage Commission, the old townsite features over 90 historic buildings from various locations around Montana, as well as original Nevada City, Montana structures and carefully recreated buildings.
Visitors are greeted by the Nevada City Music Hall, a treasure trove that houses the most extensive public collection of automated music machines in North America. This historic building was originally constructed in 1912 as the Recreation Hall at Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone Park, adding a touch of grandeur and musical history to the Nevada City, Montana experience.
Across the street stands the reconstructed depot and engine house, which showcases a magnificent 1910 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. This locomotive offers visitors the opportunity to embark on a scenic journey to Virginia City, further immersing them in the history and charm of the region.
Original Nevada City, Montana buildings that have been preserved include the jail where George Ives was held, the Fenner Barn, the Star Bakery, the Finney homestead, and Dr. Byam’s home, the residence of the judge who presided over the George Ives trial. Buildings that have been relocated from other locations include the Nevada City Emporium, an 1880s-era building that originated in Dillon; the Nevada City Hotel, which once served as an 1860’s stage station south of Twin Bridges; and Sullivan’s Saddlery, which formerly housed the Indian Agency at Fort Benton, among dozens of others.
A nominal admission fee is charged for entry to Nevada City, Montana. The town is conveniently located approximately 27 miles southeast of Twin Bridges, Montana, along Highway 287.