Visiting the Town of Calico, California

During my Army career, I've had a chance to travel to many places in the world, both on and off duty. One opportunity I had was a three year tour at Ft Irwin, California, just north of the town of Barstow.

Every day from Barstow, I would take the 45 mile drive into Fort Irwin to work. I would always pass a sign that advertised the town of "Calico", a ghost town just outside of Barstow.

Now of course I had heard about Calico, because I had lived in area for about a year or so. Since the California Desert is full of many old silver and gold mines, ghost towns and other historic landmarks, I just assumed Calico was just another silent relic from the past. After visiting Calico, I must say that it hardly a ghost town at all!

A little history about Calico
The 1880's was a time of the largest silver strike in California and Calico became one of the most popular mining camps in the west. Calico sits just below King Mountain, and was named after the variety of colors that make up the mountain. One man once described the mountain range "as purty as a gal's calico skirt" and Calico was named. At the height of its glory, Calico yielded $86 million in silver and $45 million in borax. The town also hosted a population of 1,200, had 22 saloons, their own version of "Chinatown," and even a red light district. Calico was a busy town during the Silver rush period from 1881 to 1896, but as the silver rush ended, folks began leaving the town behind. By 1904 Calico had become a lonely, desolate ghost town.

Calico Still Lives on with the Old West Spirit
Today, Calico still survives as a landmark of the Silver mining era of the Old West. Many of Calico's original buildings still exist. The rest of the town has been brilliantly restored and remains a popular tourist attraction. As I walked down Main St, I could still feel the spirit of the Old West, passing by the "Blacksmith Shop" and the General Store. I got some great photos of the "Old School House", and went on the "Maggie's Mine" tour. One of the attractions that draws a long line, is the scaled down mining train ride that circles the camp. If you love "live" country music, you will definitely have to visit Calico on a summer night weekend, you'll have a have a blast!

Calico remains as one of the very few spots where "Old West" marriages are still held to this day! Yes, you can get married in Calico! If you ever find yourself on Interstate 15 passing through Barstow, stop in at Calico and get a taste of the Old West, just as it was back then!