Calico
Calico was California's largest silver producer in the 1880s, with 500+ mines yielding millions in s
State: California
County: San Bernardino County
Founded: 1881
Abandoned: 1907
Peak Population: 1,200-3,500
Calico was California's largest silver producer in the 1880s, with 500+ mines yielding millions in silver ore. After silver prices crashed, Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm fame restored it in 1951, having worked there as a youth. Now a County Park and California's official Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Timeline
- 1881 - Silver Strike Four prospectors discovered silver, establishing the Silver King Mine, which became California's largest silver producer.
- 1880s - Boom Years Population reached 1,200-3,500 with over 500 mines operating. The town had a school, multiple saloons, and a red-light district.
- Mid-1890s - Silver Crash Falling silver prices made mining unprofitable. Population declined rapidly.
- 1907 - Borax Ends Borax mining ceased, and Calico was abandoned.
- 1951 - Knott's Restoration Walter Knott purchased Calico and spent $700,000 restoring buildings to 1880s appearance. Five original structures were preserved.
- 1966 - County Park Knott donated Calico to San Bernardino County.
- 2005 - Official Recognition Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed Calico as California's Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: October-April (desert heat in summer)
Difficulty: Easy - full tourist facilities
Time Needed: 2-4 hours
Tips
- Mine tours available
- Maggie Mine can be explored
- Stay overnight in camping or cabins
- Five original buildings remain
Quick Facts
- Walter Knott's uncle discovered the Silver King Mine
- Young Walter Knott worked in Calico's mines before creating Knott's Berry Farm
- Over 500 mines operated during the boom
- California's official Silver Rush Ghost Town since 2005
Location
Address: Calico Ghost Town Road, Yermo, California
Coordinates: 34.9453, -116.8623