Calico Ghost Town

Jill's Journal: From 1881 to 1896, Calico was a booming silver mining and borate mineral town. A peak population of about 1,200 people, mostly miners, called the high desert hilly location home at one time. Over 500 mines were in operation, as well as 22 saloons and a bustling red light district.

When silver prices dropped, Calico became a ghost of its former self and the majority of it was abandoned. In 1951, Walter A. Knott of Southern California’s Knott’s Berry Farm fame stepped in. Just five of the original buildings were able to be saved and restored from the boomtown days. But using old photographs, Knott replicated and rebuilt much of the rest of the town on still-existing foundations. In 1966, Knott donated Calico to California’s San Bernardino County.

These days, Calico feels more like a theme park than a ghost town and can’t be confused with an authentic ghost town like Bodie. Instead, Calico has been carefully rebuilt to appear old (although some of the ruins do remain and many mine entrances are still visible). Most of the replicated buildings are air-conditioned and filled to the brim with shops and food and anything else that will appeal to tourists. But even so, it is, oh, so very, very fun! We're having a ball here.

Sleeping with Ghosts

Jill's Journal: Tonight we’re staying in a ghost town. Yes, really.

Not just figuratively (this particular campground is deserted with the exception of one other camper), but literally, as we’re on the site of California’s best-known ghost town.

Calico Ghost Town is located in the area around the Mojave Desert. It may have been booming in the late 1800s and may be busy these days with modern-day tourists during daylight hours, but it’s eerily quiet and feels exactly like a ghost town should at night. The old Calico cemetery even overlooks the campground. If chains start rattling, we’re outta here! :)