 Calico was developed in 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. Located at the side of towering King Mountain, the town was named for the variety of colors in the mountain that were "as purty as a gal's calico skirt." Calico boomed during 1881-1896. It grew to a population of 1,200 with 22 saloons and more than 500 mines. Silver was king, and the Calico Mining District became one of the richest in California, producing $86 million in silver, $45 million in borax and, of course, gold. But the end came to the silver rush in 1896 and by 1904 Calico had become a ghost town.
 Today the historic silver mining town lives on as one of the few original Old West mining camps. One-third of Calico's original structures still stand; the remaining buildings have been carefully reconstructed to capture the Old West spirit. Walk Main Street and experience the life of the townspeople. As you make your way up the street , stop by and visit Henry and Lucy Gooding at the Saddle Shop. If you like leather and can appreciate craftmanship, then this is your place. Henry has been making leather saddles and holsters for over 30 years and he can tell you just about anything you want to know about Calico.
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