Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Calico Mountain Mines
Mining the Mojave
There were no less than 46 mines near Calico, like the Waterloo, Bismarck, Oriental, Garfield and Burning Moscow.
The falling price of silver shut down the mines by 1896. They had produced between $13,000,000 and $20,000,000 worth of silver.
Calico burned to the ground in the fall of 1883 and was rebuilt, but was vacated in the 1930’s. It remained derelict until 1950 when Walter Knott converted the ghost town into a tourist attraction.
The Postmaster, Jim Stacy, found a dog in 1883 that he named Dorsey. He became famous in a book, song and movie when he learned to carry the mail from Calico to Bismarck in bags on his back.
Erected 2011 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1949.
Location. 34° 53.938′ N, 117° 1.48′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 325 East Main Street, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Christiansen Memorial Plaza (here, next to this marker); Father Garces (within shouting distance of this marker); Jedediah Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); John Charles Fremont (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners (within shouting distance of this marker); Kit Carson (within shouting distance of this marker); General Steven Watts Kearny (within shouting distance of this marker); Amiel Weeks Whipple (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.
More about this marker. Barstow’s Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstow’s past and enhance its future. The murals line historic Route 66, the Mother Road. The murals depict aspects of the history of Barstow and the surrounding area. New murals are added annually.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Calico - The Restored Mining Town
Also see . . .
1. Calico Ghost Town. (Submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 952 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2017, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on August 21, 2008. 6. submitted on October 28, 2008. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.