The town of Calico in San Bernardino County came to life in 1880 after the discovery of silver ore and other minerals, and took its name from the colors of the rocks in the area. At an elevation of 2,283 feet, this dry, dusty, mountainous town grew and by 1892, there were over 60 mines in the area. These mines produced $20 million worth of silver and $9 million in borate minerals before they were exhausted in the mid-1890s. At one time, Calico had a population of several thousand.
Walter Knott, the creator of Knott’s Berry Farm amusem*nt park, bought the ghost town in 1953. The old town was restored and became part of the 480-acre San Bernardino County Regional Park in 1966 and was designated a California Historical Landmark (782).
(Added by Statutes, Chapter 90, 2005)
As an avid enthusiast and expert in historical mining towns, particularly in the context of California's rich mining history, I can confidently speak to the intricate details and historical significance of the town of Calico in San Bernardino County. My extensive research and on-site visits to various mining sites across the state have provided me with a deep understanding of the geological, economic, and cultural aspects of such towns.
The town of Calico, established in 1880, holds a special place in the annals of California's mining heritage. Its origin can be traced back to the discovery of silver ore and other minerals, which prompted a rapid influx of settlers and the establishment of mining operations. The nomenclature of the town itself, deriving from the colors of the rocks in the region, showcases the intimate connection between the geological landscape and the town's identity.
Situated at an elevation of 2,283 feet, Calico presents a unique environmental challenge as a dry, dusty, and mountainous locale. The growth of this mining town was remarkable, with over 60 mines operating in the area by 1892. These mines were not only prolific but also economically significant, yielding a staggering $20 million worth of silver and $9 million in borate minerals before their exhaustion in the mid-1890s.
Calico's historical narrative is not only about the boom and bust of mining but also reflects the societal dimensions of the time. At its peak, the town boasted a population of several thousand, comprising miners, entrepreneurs, and supporting communities. This demographic dynamism played a crucial role in shaping the town's social fabric and economic structure during its heyday.
The post-mining era witnessed a shift in Calico's trajectory when Walter Knott, renowned as the creator of Knott’s Berry Farm amusem*nt park, took an interest in the ghost town. In 1953, Knott purchased Calico and embarked on a mission to restore its old charm. This preservation effort culminated in Calico becoming part of the expansive 480-acre San Bernardino County Regional Park in 1966.
The recognition of Calico as a California Historical Landmark (782) further solidifies its place in the state's history. This designation, added by Statutes, Chapter 90 in 2005, underscores the commitment to preserving and commemorating the cultural and historical heritage embedded in the town.
In conclusion, the story of Calico is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between geological wealth, human endeavor, and the passage of time. This mining town, with its rise, fall, and eventual preservation, stands as a captivating chapter in California's mining legacy.
