A bar for blacks.
Between 1864 and 1875, a remarkable business thrived directly behind building. Free-born William C. Brown operated his Boston Saloon, serving Virginia City’s African Americans. Archeologists have revealed that Brown offered his customers finely prepared meals with the best cuts of meat. Also, he offered New Orleans flavoring known as Tabasco Sauce. Shortly after Brown sold his business, The Great Fire of 1875 swept through town destroying the building.
Boston Saloon owner William A. G. Brown was born in Massachusetts and named his business after his state’s capital. Probably born as a free African American in 1833, Brown was educated and arrived in Virginia City in 1862 where he became a prosperous entrepreneur. The site of his Boston Saloon is now a parking lot for the famed Bucket of Blood Saloon, which made the property available to archaeologists.
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 1870s, African American children attended integrated schools.
Prejudicial laws and racism placed hurtful restrictions 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.
Location. 39° 18.633′ N, 119° 38.969′ W. On C Street (Nevada Route 341) near Union Street, on the right when traveling north. Next to the Bucket of Blood Saloon building. 1 C Street was the Boston Saloon