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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