Many Californians speed past Calico Ghost Town off Interstate 15 Freeway on their way to Las Vegas. Visible from the freeway are the colorful and mineral-rich Calico Mountains. Located at the base of the mountain with the white block letters "CALICO" is the ghost town. The Calico boomtown started in March, 1881 with the discovery of rich silver veins in the surrounding mountains. By 1887 there were 1,200 residents. Later, as silver prices dropped and the mines played out, the town size decreased to only 80 in 1890. In the twentieth century only a few people would remain, and by 1951 the population was ten.
Walter Knott
In 1910 when Calico was only a shadow of its former glory, a young miner by the name of Walter Knott would briefly work in the mines. Knott's mining experiences would later inspire him to create Knott's Berry Farm and Ghost Town in Buena Park, California. In the 1950s he purchased the entire town of Calico, and would again create a tourist friendly old west ghost town, only this time using an actual mining town. Today's Calico Ghost Town is a blend of wood and adobe buildings, museums, mining equipment, antiques and tourist amenities. Mr. Knott donated Calico Ghost Town to San Bernardino County in 1966.
Calico Wall Street
Perhaps to mimic the wealth of New York's "Wall Street", Calico's main street was named Wall Street. Today the restored buildings lining Wall Street contain the museums, shops and restaurants for the public to explore. When the original town was being built, the scarcity of lumbered wood, led to adobe clay construction for housing, with wood frame buildings for businesses. Today the beautiful weathered wood architecture is very photogenic, with a mixture of adobe structures.
Calico Attractions
Strolling around Calico is a combination history lesson on mining, west architecture, museums, and tourist amenities - gift shops and restaurants. The following are the main attractions:
- Park Office and Living History Display - located at the main entrance
- Calico Woodworks - wood carvings and furniture for sale, and wood work demonstrations
- Lane's General Store - huge selection of candies, hats, packaged food, snacks, and paraphernalia
- Fire Hall - wood framed firehouse with a magnificent horse drawn water fighting wagon inside
- Calico Photo Study - have an old west photo made
- Print Shop - have your own "wanted poster made, art posters, newsprints, books, postcards, etc.
- Bath House - soaps, lotions, potpourri and gifts for sale
- Calico Jail - Marshal Bismarck Bob's work place and home to various past 'bad guys'
- R & D Fossils & Minerals - large selection for sale and displays of fossils, minerals, jewelry, clocks, etc .
- Rock Shop - geology displays, rocks and minerals for sale, Calico keepsakes, spoons, etc.
- Old Miner's Cafe - sandwiches, burgers, soft drinks, beer, wine, and ice cream
- School House - wood frame replica of original school house
- Livery Stable Stage - for performances
- Sweet Shop - various candies, desserts, and espresso
- Pottery Shop - American made: pottery, metalworks, and leaded glass art
- Hank's Hotel - the town hall meeting center
- Gold Panning - pan for gold dust
- Zenda Mining Company - historical structure
- Lil's Saloon - beer on tap, sarsaparilla, pizza, nachos, hot dogs, and baked potatoes
- Calico Candle Company - variety of candles and holders, woven goods, and basket fillers
- Maggie Mine - One of Calico's largest mines and its "Glory Hole" is open for tours
- Calico-Odessa Railroad - scenic train ride with historical artifacts
- Lane House - museum on Calico and surrounding area
- Calico House Restaurant - large outside deck wtih rocking chairs, inside - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Calico Leather Works - leather apparel, belts, and Indian trading post
- Bottle House - one room building made of glass bottles
Practicalities
Be sure to bring a camera; the architecture, ghost town displays and surrounding Calico Mountains are very photogenic.
Barstow is a good 'base camp' to explore Calico and the nearby Rainbow Canyon Scenic Area. Barstow has many hotels, restaurants and stores, and is located a few miles west of the Ghost Town. Barstow is also a crossroads for Interstate 15 and 40 highways. When in Barstow checkout the elaborate train station and Harvey House, and in back is a Route 66 museum.
There is a public campground with full hookups next to the Ghost Town, including six camping cabins and a large bunkhouse for groups.
Weather-wise fall and spring are best, and even winter usually temperate. Summers can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
Calico is a great diversion from the big cities and like the old timers say: "Purty as a gal's calico skirt."
Ray Anderson - For many, many moons I served the public as a civil servant for the California Department of Transportation. My experiences with projects ...
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