Uncovering Calico Ghost Town: A Journey to California’s Silver Mining Past

Uncovering Calico Ghost Town: A Journey to California’s Silver Mining Past | Ken Hulsey Photographer

If you have ever traveled from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via the I-15 freeway, you have probably noticed the name "Calico" formed out of white rocks atop a mountain just outside of Barstow. If you were curious enough to detour off the highway for an hour or so to discover what those rocks were all about, you would uncover an otherworldly site that was once a silver mining town. The structures here range from traditional Western dwellings to others built directly into the rocky hills, which would look just as much at home on Mars as they do in the California desert.

Viewing these numerous structures makes one ponder what life was like in Calico during its heyday. The temperatures in this part of the country can rise to 120 degrees in the summer, making conditions nearly unbearable. Just peek inside one of the windows, and you'll see that the living conditions were cramped, dusty, and hot. The miners lived a life devoid of luxury while pursuing a fortune that very few ever came close to obtaining. The lure of precious metals was strong in the 1800s, and the silver being extracted from the nearby mountains drew fortune seekers to this inhospitable wasteland, leading to a life of hard work and personal sacrifice.

Within a decade and a half of its founding, the silver supply dwindled, and so did the town.

- Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey

From The National Park Service:

Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881. It was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. Once a bustling community that provided miners with a good living, the town eventually became a ghost town.

In the 1950s, Walter Knott purchased Calico and architecturally restored nearly all of its original buildings to resemble their appearance in the 1880s, with five exceptions. Calico received State Historical Landmark status as Landmark 782, and in 2005, it was designated California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Today, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system and attracts visitors from across the country and around the world. In addition to its historical significance, Calico Ghost Town features shops, restaurants, and offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and off-roading.

Photos:

Check Out:

From Desert Floor to the Summit | Discover Mt. Whitney the Sierra Nevada’s Crown Jewel | Ken Hulsey Photographer

Chasing Steel Giants: Captivating Moments of BNSF and Union Pacific Trains in Southern California | Ken Hulsey Photographer

A Call to Action: Advocating for the Rebirth of California's Spirit in Turbulent Times

California Through My Lens - An Antique Paradise in Oro Grande on Old Route 66

Ghost Towns (320 pages) Hardcover

$10.99 @ Amazon.com - Order Here

Take a historical and visual tour through ghost towns in North America. Find out what these communities were and what they’ve become. Contemporary and historical photographs show once-thriving towns and the desolate places they are currently.
Farming towns, mining towns, and small towns that were left behind when a transportation hub changed are all included.
More than 60 ghost towns from around the continent are spotlighted, including McGrew, Nebraska, Bodie, California, and Rhyolite, Nevada.
Hardcover, 320 pages.

Comments

Unmasking Heroes: The Untold Stories Behind the Birth of Comic Book Legends

Written By: Terri Pressley Where does a documentary about superheroes and comics begin? With Superman himself, of course! Superman, created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster, both 18 years old, combined parts of Hercules, a scientific Moses, and Jerry Siegel's confidence issues. He always had crushes on girls that didn't seem to know that he was alive, so he created a character that everyone would look up to, one that women would want and men would want to be.

Chasing Shadows of the Past: A Railroad Adventure with Kansas City Southern's Vintage F-Series Locomotives

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In April 2022, I received a tip from a fellow railfan on Facebook that the Kansas City Southern Executive Train would be in Baton Rouge . To my excitement, I spotted a set of vintage FP9/F9B diesel locomotives resting on a bridge over the 110 freeway while driving toward downtown. My enthusiasm for the F-series locomotives compelled me to navigate some of Louisiana's poorly designed streets (and that’s saying something) to get close to the railyard. I made my way through what felt like a jungle that belonged somewhere in Borneo, only to climb a steep hill to reach the railyard.

The Timeless Appeal of The Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl"

For classic rock enthusiasts, the Pretenders hold a special place in the pantheon of iconic bands that shaped the soundscape of the late '70s and early '80s. Formed in March 1978, the band made an indelible mark through a blend of punk energy, rock sensibility, and poignant songwriting, primarily driven by the incomparable Chrissie Hynde. One of their standout works, "Learning to Crawl," remains a treasured album that resonates deeply with fans even decades later.

Bedrock City Still Lives! - Travel To The Home of The Flintstones - Valle Arizona

Story By Ken Hulsey Photos From The Raptor Ranch Website : This morning, while browsing the internet, I came across an excellent article in Route Magazine (The Official Route 66 Magazine) about the history of Bedrock City in Arizona . Built in 1971 by Woody and Francis Speckels, the park was originally an amusement park inspired by the famous Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Flintstones. Over the decades, Bedrock City became a popular stop for families traveling between the town of Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

Unlocking Divine Strength: How to Tap into the Power Within You!

Life can sometimes feel overwhelmingly challenging, as if every obstacle is stacked high against you. In moments like these, it’s essential to remember that no challenge is too great for God to overcome. He knows you intimately, even better than you know yourself . Have you tapped into the immense power of God in your life? Do you even realize that you hold this divine power within you?

Rev Up Your Engines: Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 with Unforgettable Events in Amarillo!

Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 in Texas: The Amarillo Experience As we approach summer, excitement builds for a momentous occasion—the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This iconic highway, often referred to as the "Mother Road," has been a vital part of America's cultural and historical landscape for nearly a century. Amarillo, Texas, is gearing up to host the official Texas Route 66 Festival, June 4th - 13th, and a series of signature events that promise to make this centennial celebration unforgettable.

Unraveling the Mystery: The Glowing Green Fireballs that Haunted New Mexico—Are They Alien Probes or a Government Secret?

Story By Ken Hulsey As a rational person, I can explain away most of the strange occurrences I experienced during my teenage years in Albuquerque. However, one incident still puzzles me to this day. In August 1980, my best friend, my family, and I witnessed a large, glowing green orb hovering motionless in the night sky directly over the city for over an hour before it disappeared.

Unlocking Your Divine Purpose: Answering the Call That Transforms Lives!

You Have a Calling: Embracing Your Purpose Every individual on this planet possesses a unique purpose, a calling from God that is significant and worthy. It’s a reminder that we are all important in the tapestry of life, woven together by divine design. Whether you find yourself in the spotlight or quietly working behind the scenes, you hold a vital role, and God acknowledges everyone equally, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:15-22. It’s through recognizing this truth that we can begin to comprehend our individual potential to make a difference.

Expecting the Extraordinary: How Prayer Opens Doors to Divine Transformation

The Power of Prayer: Connecting with the Divine Magic tricks have long captivated people around the world, demonstrating the delightful art of illusion. Yet, unlike magic, the workings of God are not illusions but the profound and transformative reality of divine interaction with humanity. When God answers our prayers , it is an undeniable reflection of His power and presence within our lives. Every prayer uttered by His faithful people has the capacity to showcase His glory, echoing through the fabric of creation.

Overcoming Fear: How Tithing Transformed My Finances and Strengthened My Relationship with God

The Journey of Faith: Embracing Challenges and Growing in Spiritual Maturity Taking that first step into an act of faith can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to something like tithing. For many, the idea of giving away 10% of their income can stir up feelings of reluctance and fear. I was one of those individuals, apprehensive and uncertain about the process. Yet, it was precisely this struggle that led me to a deeper understanding of faith and dependence on God.

Miracle Mindset

Search This Blog