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The Suicide Table, Virginia City, Nevada

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 02:00 AM PDT

The Suicide Table at Delta Saloon, Virginia City

According to legend in Virginia City, Nevada, the Suicide Table was somehow responsible for the deaths of three people who took possession of it. It is an old bank table dating from 1860s, and the curse is directly connected to gambling. Each of the people who died also lost substantial sums of money. Two of the victims are said to have killed themselves, but one of them may have been murdered. After all, violent arguments over cards happened frequently in the western frontier.

Currently, The Suicide Table has a home in the Delta Saloon. To find it, a visitor has to walk past the slot machines and go to the rear of the establishment. Protective Plexiglas encases the table, and there are plenty of informative and instructional signs explaining its history. The signage also explains the faro card game, which was its primary use. However, before the third death, the table had be converted for games of 21.

The Suicide Table is just but one oddity in Virginia City, Nevada. Over the years, the town's haunted reputation has grown. A prospective visitor should pair seeing this attraction is part of a greater visit to the Delta Saloon. At least one hotel and a hillside cemetery is said to be haunted as well.

Delta Saloon / Suicide Table address

Delta Saloon
18 South C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440

Photo by perplemaggie on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/suicide-table-virginia-city-nevada/

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Caernarfon Castle, Wales

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 02:00 AM PDT

The impressive Caernarfon Castle in Wales

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in Wales is Caernarfon Castle. Built by King Edward I. Before this, there was a motte-and-bailey castle that dates back to Roman days. King Edward I built three castles during 1283 when he won back Wales. The three castles were extremely impressive for their time. However, he designed Caernarfon Castle different than the rest. It has banded colored stones throughout the structure and the towers are polygonal instead of round. It is said that the design was influenced by his desire to assert his authority. This castle became the center of government for the entire north part of the country.

Over the centuries, it has been besieged many times. When the Tudors reigned, the castle was neglected and has fallen into disrepair. Despite this disrepair, the Caernarfon Castle was besieged three times during the English Civil War. In the 19th century, the state funded repairs on the castle and it has played a role in the 1911 investiture of the Prince of Wales and then, again in 1969. Today, the outer walls stand strong but, most of the inner buildings no longer survive. It is the most famous of Welsh castles and still has a commanding presence. The castle is open for tours almost every day of the year. You can purchase a three or seven day pass that also gives you admission to the other historic sights of Casw, as well as Caernarfon Castle.