Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Calico Mountain Mines
Mining the Mojave
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
1. Calico Mountain Mines Marker
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 1930s. 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° 53.94′ N, 117° 1.481′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gold (a few steps from this marker); Christiansen Memorial Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Brubaker Mann Inc. (a few steps from 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);
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
2. Calico Mountain Mines Marker
More about this marker. Barstows Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstows 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.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
3. Calico Mountain Mines Mural
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
4. Murals
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
5. Murals Directory
March 16, 2006
6. The Main Street of Calico
Photographed by Frasher Foto
7. Town of Calico - 1931
Calico, Calif. - A Ghost City of the Desert
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,498 times since then and 68 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2017, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6. submitted on August 21, 2008. 7. submitted on October 28, 2008. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
