Built in 1859 by George Hearst, the Mackay Mansion allows people to step back in time into an authentic Victorian-era mansion. It is one of the few remaining original structures that survived both major fires. It also is one of the few buildings with original furniture, carpet, wallpaper, chandeliers, and much more!
George Hearst gained his family fortune from the corresponding mine & sold the property in 1871 to John Mackay, an Irish immigrant. Shortly after, John Mackay hit the Bonanza Strike, one of the largest silver strikes in world history. Mackay split the profits with his three partners: James Fair, James Flood, and William O'Brien. They became known as "The Big Four" or "The Silver Kings" of Virginia City. John Mackay, James Fair, James Flood, and William O'Brien conducted all their mining business inside the Mackay Mansion mining office, while Mr. Mackay lived with his family in the rest of the building.
A little girl dressed in white has appeared to many staying in the bedrooms of the mansion. She visited actor Johnny Depp in his bedroom while he was living in one of the upstairs bedrooms. The story goes that she whispered secrets of the past, leaving him both intrigued and unsettled. Many who have encountered her claim to feel a sense of both comfort and unease, as if she holds a story yearning to be told.
In his final years, a former colonel preferred to spend his time sitting in the kitchen. Psychics can sense his presence in the kitchen long after his death. They describe him as a watchful guardian, perpetually drawn to the warmth of the hearth, as though he is still savoring the simple comforts of life. Visitors often remark on the peculiar way the air feels in the room, a blend of nostalgia and longing, hinting that some stories are meant to linger long after the tellers have departed.
There is another female apparition who takes it easy, floating around and "lingering" in favorite spots on the second floor. Perhaps she is a former lady of the house.
Another apparition of a woman, maybe a former servant, who keeps herself busy, making never-ending trips up and down the staircase, trying to finish her chores on what must be an awesome to-do list.
The apparition of a little girl has been seen in one of the bedrooms.
The apparition of a man sitting in the kitchen has been seen.
The apparition of a former housekeeper has been seen going up and down the stairs.
The apparition of a woman has been seen floating around on the second floor.
