About Virginia City Silent Riders
Our History
Alfred Doten began his daily diary at the age of 19 on the day he left his home in Plymouth Massachusetts for the gold fields of California aboard the ship Yeoman. His last entry was written 53 years later on the day before he died, cold, penniless and alone, in Carson City, Nevada. During the intervening years he tried his luck in California and Nevada at mining, ranching, and journalism, as a reporter and publisher in Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Austin, Nevada. The 79 volumes of Doten's diary provide details about his public and private life, his challenges and pastimes, family, lovers, friends and acquaintances, including Mark Twain and Artemus Ward. He kept detailed notes on the theater, music, and society that surrounded him.
Our Values
At Virginia City Silent Riders, we are committed to preserving history in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and sustainable. We believe that every historical site and artifact has a story to tell, and we strive to honor those stories by preserving them for future generations.
Our Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of our work at Virginia City Silent Riders. We partner with a wide range of organizations, from local historical societies to national museums, to ensure that our projects are grounded in community needs and values.