Exploring Calico Ghost Town – A Journey Through the Old West
The Bottle House at Calico
Nestled in the arid Mojave Desert of Southern California, Calico Ghost Town stands as a preserved relic of the Wild West. Once a booming silver mining town in the late 1800s, it was abandoned in the early 20th century and later revived as a historical site. Located not too far from legendary Route 66 near Yermo, Calico is a perfect stop for road-trippers seeking a glimpse into the past. Our latest adventure took us deep into the remnants of this once-thriving settlement, uncovering its fascinating past and eerie legends.
A Town Built on Silver
Founded in 1881, Calico quickly became one of the richest silver mining towns in California. At its peak, the town had over 500 mines and produced $20 million worth of silver ore. Like many boomtowns of the Old West, Calico was filled with saloons, general stores, and rowdy miners looking to make their fortune.
However, by the 1890s, silver prices plummeted, and Calico’s prosperity began to fade. By 1907, most of the miners had left, and the town was abandoned, leaving behind empty buildings, crumbling mines, and whispers of the past.
Walking Through History
Today, Calico is a California Historical Landmark and a popular tourist destination. Walking through the town feels like stepping back in time. Many of the original structures remain standing, while others have been reconstructed to preserve the Old West charm. Some of the highlights of our visit included:
The Old Schoolhouse at Calico
The Main Street: Lined with restored buildings, this dusty pathway leads past an old general store, a blacksmith shop, and several historic homes.
The Maggie Mine: One of the few mines visitors can explore safely, giving a glimpse into the harsh conditions miners faced underground.
The Calico & Odessa Railroad: A short train ride offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mining remnants.
The Old Schoolhouse: A preserved piece of history showing what education looked like in a rugged mining town.
For this trip, we brought our niece and nephew and it was a lot of fun to see Calico through their 5- and 8-year-old eyes. From exploring the old buildings to imagining what life was like for children in the 1800s, their excitement added a whole new level of adventure to the experience.
For more information about the places we visited, check out the links below:
Watch Our Full Adventure!
Want to see more? Check out our full video exploration of Calico Ghost Town on our YouTube channel! Watch here.
Have you been to Calico? What’s your favorite ghost town? Let us know in the comments below!
