The Founding of Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town, located in Yermo, California, is a former silver mining town with a fascinating history. The town was founded in 1881 after the discovery of silver in the Calico Mountains. At its peak٫ Calico boasted around 500 silver mines and produced over $20 million worth of silver ore in just 12 years. It quickly became one of the most prosperous mining districts in California.
However, the boom didn’t last long. In the 1890s, the price of silver dropped, causing many people to leave Calico and the town was eventually abandoned. Despite its decline, Calico’s historic Main Street with its brick-faced buildings and old West charm remained well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s vibrant past.
Today, Calico Ghost Town is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who come to experience a real ghost town from the 1880s. It has been restored and transformed into a theme park, offering various attractions and activities.
Discovery of Silver in the Calico Mountains
Calico Ghost Town owes its existence to the discovery of silver in the Calico Mountains. In 1875, roaming prospectors first found traces of silver on the south slope of the mountains. However, it wasn’t until a few years later, around 1880, that the discovery of additional silver ore worth $400 to $500 per ton sparked a small rush.
As news of the silver strike spread, miners from all over flocked to the area, filing numerous claims and establishing a mining camp. The silver deposits in Calico proved to be exceptionally rich, and within a short period, the town began to flourish.
Word of the silver strike in Calico reached far and wide, attracting fortune seekers and investors from as far as San Francisco. The allure of quick riches drew thousands of people to the remote desert region, fueling the growth of the town and creating a bustling mining community.
The discovery of silver in the Calico Mountains marked the beginning of an era of prosperity for the town, transforming it from a desolate desert landscape into a bustling mining center.
The Small Rush and Filing of Claims
As the news of silver discoveries spread, the Calico Mountains in California experienced a small rush in the late 19th century. In 1875٫ prospectors stumbled upon silver on the south slope of the mountains. However٫ it took another five years for additional ore discoveries٫ valued at $400 to $500 per ton٫ to spark a small rush in the area.
During this time, miners flooded into Calico, eager to stake their claims and seek their fortunes. The filing of numerous mining claims marked the beginning of a bustling mining community. The town quickly grew as prospectors set up mines and established businesses to support the growing population.
With the promise of prosperity and the lure of wealth, Calico attracted individuals from all walks of life. Miners, businessmen, and adventurers flocked to the town, hoping to strike it rich in the silver mines of the Calico Mountains.
The filing of claims and the subsequent small rush laid the foundation for the booming silver mining town that Calico would soon become. It was a time of excitement, anticipation, and the hope for a better future for those who dared to gamble on the riches hidden within the rugged mountains.
The Boom and Bust of Calico
Calico Ghost Town experienced a period of tremendous growth and prosperity during the silver boom in the late 19th century. With the discovery of silver in the Calico Mountains in 1875, the town quickly became a bustling mining community.
Word of the silver strikes spread, attracting thousands of fortune seekers from all over the country. The population of Calico soared to over 1,200 people, and the town buzzed with activity. More than 500 mines were established, and the production of silver ore reached a staggering $20 million within just 12 years.
However, the boom didn’t last. In the mid-1890s, the price of silver dropped significantly, leading to the decline of mining operations in Calico. As the mines became less profitable, people began to leave the town in search of other opportunities. By the early 1900s, Calico was virtually abandoned, and its once-thriving streets fell silent.
Despite its sudden decline, Calico’s legacy as a prosperous mining town remains, etched in its well-preserved buildings and remnants of its mining infrastructure. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-vibrant town and imagine the bustling activity that once characterized its streets.
Calico Ghost Town Today
Calico Ghost Town, once a bustling silver mining town, now stands as a captivating reminder of California’s rich history. Located in Yermo, California, this iconic ghost town attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its authentic Wild West atmosphere.
Designated as California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town and a State Historical Landmark, Calico offers a unique glimpse into the past. Its well-preserved Main Street takes visitors on a journey back to the 1880s٫ with brick-faced buildings and a charming old West ambiance.
Today, Calico has been transformed into a vibrant theme park, offering a range of attractions and activities for all ages. Visitors can explore historic buildings, museums, and exhibits that showcase the town’s mining heritage. Take a ride on the narrow-gauge train, which provides a scenic tour through the surrounding canyons while offering insights into the town’s fascinating history.
For those seeking adventure, Calico provides opportunities for gold panning, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of striking it rich, just like the miners of the past. The Mystery Shack adds an element of intrigue with its crooked house where water seemingly flows uphill, leaving visitors questioning the laws of physics.
As a popular tourist destination, Calico embodies the spirit of the Old West, drawing visitors with its captivating history and unique attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply curious about the past, a visit to Calico Ghost Town is sure to be an unforgettable experience.