Located on the Mojave desert about fifteen miles northeast of Barstow, Calico - which lived a long time for desert boomtowns, from 1881 till around 1929 -- was a rich strike, first of silver then later of borates. Chunks of nearly pure silver came out of the 500 mines that dotted the hills. Eventually, silver ore worth some $86 million was dug out of the colorful hills behind the town. The borate brought in another $45 million.

Calico was a wild place, in its heyday; with a nice collection of saloons (22 of them), bordellos, restaurants, and boarding houses established to service the needs of its more than 1,200 citizens. One citizen was unusual, even in a time and a town full of unusual characters.

Dorsey was a mail carrier. In fact, he was the only 4 legged carrier in the whole US Postal system. He was a black and white shepherd dog that had the job of carrying the mail from the town to the nearby mines. He was a friendly dog, but once the mail packs were strapped on his back, he'd become strictly business. Reportedly, Dorsey's owner once turned down a $500 offer for the dog, saying that he'd sooner sell a grandson.

Calico's decline began with the fall of the price of silver fell in the 1890's, but the borate production kept it alive, even through the panic of 1906. While nearby Death Valley mines skinned eastern investors, Calico kept churning out valuable minerals until it gradually exhausted its supply in the 1920's. A few hardy souls stayed on, keeping the spirit and memory alive, until 1951 when Knott bought the town and began rebuilding it. Using old photos he restored many of the buildings and created a tourist attraction that still thrives today, with more visitors on any day of the year than ever lived in the town when silver was the big excitement. Knott's Berry Farm donated the town to the county in 1966, and it operates now as a county park.

Now, numerous shops, an interesting museum, static displays, and actors in period costumes bring the past alive for busloads of tourists and visitors. It's an interesting town to visit with regular gunfights, train and stagecoach rides, restored mining equipment, and displays of old household items.

A nominal entrance fee ($6) is charged. The town is open every day except Christmas. Regular events are held, including: Cowboy action shooting, 3rd Saturday of each month; a Civil War re-enactment on President's Day weekend; Spring Festival, Mother's Day weekend; Calico Days, Columbus Day weekend; Calico Heritage Fest, Thanksgiving; and Christmas in Calico, held in early December. Call the park to verify information on these events: 1-800-TO-CALICO.

For more information, visit the official Calico town website at http://www.calicotown.com/. Lodging is available in Yermo or Barstow.