Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town is a former mining town located in San Bernardino County, California, near the Calico Mountains. The town was founded in 1881 during the Silver Rush and was home to many miners, including Chinese Americans and Mexican Americans, who worked in the silver mines and borax mines. The town's history is closely tied to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and the Mojave Road, which connected Los Angeles to Las Vegas and Barstow. The town was also influenced by the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, which passed laws such as the General Mining Act of 1872.

History

The history of Calico Ghost Town is closely linked to the mining industry and the American West. The town was founded by John C. King, a prospector who discovered silver ore in the area, and was later developed by Lucy Lane, a businesswoman who owned several mines and hotels in the town. The town's population grew rapidly during the 1880s, with many immigrants from China, Mexico, and Europe arriving to work in the mines. The town was also home to several outlaws, including Black Bart and Curly Bill Brocius, who robbed stagecoaches and trains in the area. The town's history is also connected to the Native American tribes of the region, including the Chemehuevi and the Mojave people, who had lived in the area for thousands of years.

Geography

Calico Ghost Town is located in the Mojave Desert, near the Calico Mountains and the Mojave River. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, and is accessible via the Calico Road, which connects to Interstate 15 and California State Route 247. The town's geography is characterized by desert landscapes, including cacti, sagebrush, and rock formations. The area is also home to several wildlife species, including coyotes, bobcats, and rattlesnakes. The town's location is near several other ghost towns, including Bodie and Rhyolite, and is close to the Death Valley National Park and the Joshua Tree National Park.

Tourism

Calico Ghost Town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, and South America. The town offers several attractions, including historic buildings, museums, and recreational activities such as hiking and camping. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the town, which includes visits to the Calico Mine, the Lucy Lane Museum, and the Calico Cemetery. The town is also home to several events and festivals, including the Calico Days and the Ghost Town Blues Festival, which feature live music, food vendors, and crafts. The town's tourism industry is supported by the San Bernardino County and the California Tourism Board, which promote the town as a unique and historic destination.

Preservation

The preservation of Calico Ghost Town is a major concern, with several organizations and individuals working to protect the town's historic buildings and cultural heritage. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a California Historical Landmark. The San Bernardino County Museum and the California State Parks department are responsible for managing the town and preserving its historic resources. The town is also protected by the Mojave Desert Land Trust and the National Park Service, which work to conserve the area's natural resources and wildlife habitats. The preservation of the town is also supported by the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, which have passed laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act.

Attractions

Calico Ghost Town offers several attractions and activities for visitors, including the Calico Mine, the Lucy Lane Museum, and the Calico Cemetery. The town is also home to several historic buildings, including the Calico Schoolhouse and the Calico Post Office. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town, which includes visits to the Maggie Mine and the Borax Mine. The town is also close to several other attractions, including the Roy's Cafe in Amboy and the Wigwam Motels in San Bernardino and Holbrook. The town's attractions are also connected to the Route 66 and the Mojave National Preserve, which offer scenic drives and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers, who come to capture the town's unique landscape and architecture.