Silver Queen

America's first large silver lode was discovered in Virginia City, earning Nevada the title of "Silver State." The city sprung up virtually overnight around the Comstock Lode in 1859 and had over 25,000 residents by 1873. In 1876, it was the source for the majority of the country's precious metals. Although the town's boomtown days are long over, it is still a popular tourist attraction due to its mining heritage.

One of the testimonies to the town's past is the Silver Queen, a 15-foot-by-8-foot painting that hangs in the boomtown-era Silver Queen Hotel. It is specifically located in the 1870s bar which holds numerous other antiques, including a supposed "love tester" measuring one's attractiveness. The Silver Queen herself is adorned with 3,261 Morgan silver dollars on her dress and the frame. The silver dollars are especially symbolic because the usage of silver in late 19th century currency made Virginia City especially wealthy. The Silver Queen is also adorned with 28 $2o gold coins on her belt, and silver quarters and dimes on her jewelry.

A 1957 painting of Jerry Eaton, who owned the hotel at the time along with her husband Carroll, hangs on the wall. Carroll commissioned the Silver Queen from fellow local businessman Bob Richards and his daughter, Sharon, decorated it with the coins. Jerry tragically took her own life in 1963 because her husband was having an affair. Ironically, many postcards show Carroll posing in front of his late wife with his lover and next wife, Ruby. Carroll himself died of a heart attack, leaving the hotel to Ruby, who has left Jerry's portrait in place.