Calico's Silver Rush: A Boomtown Built on Commodity Prices
Calico, a small settlement in California's Mojave Desert, was once a thriving mining town that rose to fame in the late 19th century. In 1881, prospectors discovered silver in the nearby mountains, and the area quickly attracted miners, traders, laborers, and business owners.
The discovery of silver sparked a rush, with hundreds of mines opening up around Calico. The town's population swelled to over 3,000 people, making it one of the largest mining communities in the region. During its heyday, Calico had a post office, newspaper, hotels, general stores, restaurants, and even saloons and brothels.
However, the boom was short-lived. Falling silver prices made many mines uneconomical, and by 1896, silver extraction at Calico was no longer viable. Borate mining, which had brought new activity to the area in the late 1880s, eventually declined as well. By 1907, the settlement had been abandoned.
Despite its decline, Calico's history lives on today as a restored heritage site. In the 1950s, Walter Knott acquired the abandoned settlement and set about restoring it to its former glory. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, including Lil's Saloon and the courthouse.