Monday, 26 October 2015

Calico Ghost Town

Established in 1881 Calico near Barstow was once one of the richest mining districts in California.
 
At one time the town had a population of 1,200, with 22 saloons, China Town and a red light district.
 
Outdoor hot tub anyone?

There were over 500 mines including the legendary Silver King, Calico produced over $86 million in silver and $45 million in borax during its heyday between 1881 and 1907.
 
Calico was restored by Walter Knott, of Knott’s Berry Farm and was donated to San Bernadino County in 1966.

We took a trip on the Calico/Odessa railroad, the engineer showed us the entrance to the Silver King Mine and also told us that the mine tailings had been assayed at $6 million.
 
The Silver King mine entrance is just under and to the right of the O in Calico.

The downside is that presently it would cost $10 million to retrieve it!    Mind you I expect one day there’ll be away to retrieve it profitably.

The town was all decorated for Halloween when we visited.

Have fun, we are!

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