Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon

Haunted Places in Nevada > Haunted Hotels

Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon paranormal

Location submitted by: sdonley on 02/19/2015
DBA Approved: Y

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1540 Main Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
Phone: (775) 847-0111
Open to the public: Yes

https://goldhillhotel.net/

Lat: 39.292416
Lon: -119.657530

PANICd#: 1779

Publication date: 03/29/2026

Although one historical marker says the Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon dates back to 1859, local historians agree it was fully open as the Riesen House by 1861, coinciding with the start of the Civil War thousands of miles to the east.

Database Summary:

Demographic Rank: 1
History: 1
Stories: 4
Claims: 10
Evidence: 0
Resources: 4
Retrievals: 124
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0

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History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.

The Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon in Nevada is widely recognized as the oldest hotel in the state, with its origins dating back to 1861 during the height of the Comstock Lode mining boom. The surrounding town of Gold Hill rapidly developed after gold and silver were discovered in 1859, drawing thousands of miners, investors, and opportunists seeking fortune in the rugged Nevada hills.

Originally known as the Riesen House, the hotel quickly became a central gathering place for miners and travelers moving between Gold Hill and nearby Virginia City. It served as more than just lodging, functioning as a social hub where business deals were made, celebrations were held, and the rough and often dangerous life of mining briefly gave way to comfort and community.

Ownership of the hotel changed hands in the early 1860s, with Horace Vesey expanding the structure and turning it into a more prominent establishment. Under his direction, the hotel hosted large social events and gatherings, including elaborate dances and meetings tied to the early organization of mining communities in the region.

Throughout the late nineteenth century, the hotel stood witness to the rise and fall of Gold Hill itself. As mining production slowed and fortunes faded, the once thriving town began to decline. Like many buildings of the era, the hotel endured fires, violence, and the hardships of frontier life, yet it managed to survive while much of the surrounding community faded into history.

Modern times have preserved and restored the Gold Hill Hotel, providing visitors with a glimpse into Nevada's Wild West past. It remains a functioning hotel and saloon, attracting tourists, history enthusiasts, and paranormal investigators alike who are drawn to its deep roots in one of the most storied mining regions in the American West.

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#:830
Source(s):
Various Sources

Stories & Folklore

Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.

The Gold Hill Hotel has long been associated with paranormal activity, with stories passed down through generations of guests and staff. Its location above old mining tunnels and near sites of deadly accidents has fueled the belief that restless spirits still linger on the property.

One of the most well-known spirits is a woman named Rosie, believed by some to have been a working girl who lived in the hotel during its early days. Guests who stay in her room often report the sudden scent of roses or perfume appearing without explanation, along with strange disturbances such as lights flickering or objects being moved.

Another commonly reported spirit is William, thought to be a miner connected to the tragic Yellow Jacket Mine disaster where dozens of men lost their lives. Visitors claim to feel his presence in one of the hotel rooms, sometimes describing the sensation of someone sitting on the bed or quietly watching from the corner.

The Miner’s Lodge and surrounding cabins are also central to local legends, especially due to their proximity to abandoned mine shafts where some victims were never recovered. Paranormal investigators often focus on this area, reporting unusual sounds, shadowy figures, and an overall heavy atmosphere tied to the violent history of the mines.

Beyond individual spirits, the entire property is said to carry an energy shaped by tragedy, hardship, and survival. Stories of ghostly miners, unexplained footsteps, and unseen presences have made the hotel a popular stop for ghost tours and investigations, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Nevada.

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#: 1790
Source(s): Various Sources

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#: 1791
Source(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjMjY0bpbQw

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#: 1792
Source(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96r7reodbQc

Added by: sdonley on 03/29/2026 DB#: 1793
Source(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WdY9HvOhnM

Paranormal Claims

Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.

Claim #	Added	Added By	Claim
4461	03/29/2026	sdonley	Guests report smelling strong rose perfume in certain rooms with no visible source.
4462	03/29/2026	sdonley	Lights are said to turn on and off on their own in the historic rooms.
4463	03/29/2026	sdonley	Objects and personal belongings are reported to move or be rearranged overnight.
4464	03/29/2026	sdonley	Visitors claim to feel someone sitting on the bed or watching them while alone.
4465	03/29/2026	sdonley	Apparitions of a woman and a miner have reportedly been seen in rooms and hallways.
4466	03/29/2026	sdonley	Unexplained footsteps and knocking sounds are frequently heard throughout the building.
4467	03/29/2026	sdonley	Cold spots and sudden temperature drops are commonly experienced by guests.
4468	03/29/2026	sdonley	The Miner’s Lodge area is said to have shadow figures and heavy oppressive energy.
4469	03/29/2026	sdonley	Spirits of miners connected to nearby mining disasters are believed to haunt the property.
4470	03/29/2026	sdonley	Some visitors report doors opening and closing on their own without explanation.

HauntedHouses.com Records Added: 02/19/2015 By: sdonley	Find the haunted Gold Hill Hotel at HauntedHouses.com.
The Haunts & History of Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon Added: 03/29/2026 By: sdonley	Information about the paranormal.
Haunted Nevada Added: 03/29/2026 By: sdonley	Information on the paranormal.
Nevada Lore Series: the Haunting of the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada's Oldest Hotel - Carson Now Added: 03/29/2026 By: sdonley	Information about the paranormal.

Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon

Database Summary:

History

Stories & Folklore

Paranormal Claims

Additional Resources

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