Dig should begin in July at historic black-owned saloon

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2000 | 9:13 a.m.

Tentative plans call for work to begin in July at the black-owned Boston Saloon site a block off of main street behind the Bucket of Blood Saloon.

Two private donations have allowed the project to start this year, said Ron James, state historic preservation officer. The state office also has been given permission to use $25,000 from its grant program, he said.

The Boston Saloon was owned and operated by a free black man from Massachusetts from 1864 until it burned in a fire that destroyed most of Virginia City in 1875.

Preliminary studies of the site were conducted in 1999. James believes its significance is unprecedented.

"Westerners moved around quickly during the 19th century, and most businesses failed or changed location within a few months. A site like this, where an African American business stayed in one location from 1866 to 1875, is a world-class discovery," James said.

"Its survival makes it a one-of-a-kind resource," he said.

Additional donations will be sought so work can continue, said Kelly Dixon, administrator of the Comstock Archaeology Center. She estimated $250,000 will be needed to complete the excavation and artifact analysis.

Not much is known about the small enclave of 100 blacks in the booming mining community.

Archaeologists and historians hope to learn much more by examining the remains of the site.

Whites were among customers at the saloon. James has pointed out that Virginia City was a "remarkably integrated community."

The site is beneath a small asphalt parking lot behind the historic Bucket of Blood Saloon at D and Union streets.