History Within History at Calico Ghost Town: Civil War re-enacted on streets, hills of old West mining town - 2010

Calico was once the pride of the desert, mining millions of dollars in silver from its hills and even making a mark in borax mining in the area. But when silver lost its value in the 1890s, Calico lost its edge.

Calico Ghost Town, an old West mining town, is rich in the history of the days of California’s largest silver strike. It is most remembered as the place that had a thriving 12-year run and was abandoned by its population by the turn of the 20th century.

Calico, like the State of California, did not participate in the Civil War. But the dusty hills and sagebrush of the town lend itself to quite the staging for a Civil War re-enactment. And what better way to spend a Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13th through 15th, 2010, than to re-create the battles of the Civil War and let the North and South fight it out on the grounds of the Calico Mountain.

Over 300 members of the American Civil War Society become the armies of the Union and the Confederacy. Setting up campsites, visitors can see how the troops lived during this era. Cavalcades of horses line the town as the troops ride in. Guests will be treated to troop inspections and drills and twice daily will witness the battles between the two sides. Bugles blare, cannon fire rumbles through the hills; drummers march with the troops.

In addition, there are the fashions that women and men will parade and live music featuring songs played in the 1860’s. The weekend is packed with activities related to the Civil War including appearances by “Abraham Lincoln” delivering the Gettysburg address each day of the event.

Civil War buffs, students, or people who have an overall appreciation for history will enjoy the interaction that takes place during this President’s Day weekend event. And what better way to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday than to re-enact the war that defined his presidency.

Calico Ghost Town offers camping, cabins and bunkhouses. To reserve camping, book online at SBCountyParks.com. For cabins and bunkhouse reservations call (800) 86-CALICO.

Daily admission for the Civil War event is $10 adults, $5 ages 6-15. Children under 5 are free. A two-day pass is available for $15 adults; $8 ages 6-15. Visit www.calicotown.com for detailed information.