Seven or more spirits Our creepiness rating 💀💀💀💀💀
Visit Reno Tahoe claims seven or more spirits have been seen in or around the mansion, and that Mackay's wife is heard wandering the halls. Source: Visit Reno Tahoe.
Facts below are drawn from the linked sources.
Real history
John Mackay was one of the "Bonanza Kings" whose Consolidated Virginia Mining Company struck the Big Bonanza on the Comstock Lode (Wikipedia).
The Comstock historical marker in front of the building says it was built in 1860 as the Gould & Curry Mining Company office and the mine superintendent's housing, and was first occupied by superintendent George Hearst. Mackay moved in after his own house burned in the Great Fire of 1875 (Gould & Curry Offices marker). Sources differ on the year: some accounts give 1859, but the markers and Western Mining History give 1860 (Western Mining History).
Ghost stories
These are reported legends, not verified events. The creepiness score (1–5) is Spook Atlas's own editorial rating, not a measurement.
Then and now
Public access
Access unverified Local tourism pages describe it as a museum; the official site could not be loaded on the date checked. Last checked: Oct 31, 2026.
Explore more
- More places in Virginia City and Nevada
- More haunted & abandoned mansions
- Nearby: Washoe Club (Virginia City, NV), Piper's Opera House (Virginia City, NV), Silver Queen Hotel (Virginia City, NV), Silver Terrace Cemetery (Virginia City, NV)
⚠️ Please read: This information may be outdated and conditions change. Verify access with the owner or operator before you go. Spook Atlas does not encourage trespassing. Entering private, closed or condemned property can be illegal and dangerous. Report a correction.
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