Coming soon: Civil War in Calico Ghost Town

The War Between the States comes to Southern California on Presidents Weekend, Feb. 19-21, when hundreds of re-enactors, a gaggle of musicians and an Abe Lincoln look-alike will bring their artifacts and facsimiles to Calico Ghost Town, about 10 miles north of Barstow.

Their plan is to show how Americans lived and fought in the Civil War (1861-1865) — but they’ll be doing it against the backdrop of a desert silver mining town that wasn’t born until 1881 and was abandoned by 1907. (Though many in Northern California backed Union troops and many in Southern California sympathized with the Confederates, historians say uniformed troops never fought in the state.)

These days, Calico Ghost Town is run by the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, with a campground and gold-panning, a narrow-gauge train and a titled house among its kid-friendly attractions. Civil War weekends have been a tradition since 1997. During this year’s event, Calico will be open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, with an adult admission of $10.

The American Civil War Society, a re-enactors’ group based in Southern California, is providing troops— an anticipated 300 to 400— along with artifacts and facsimiles. Mock battles are scheduled twice daily (11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) on Feb. 19 and 20 and once (11:45 a.m.) on Feb. 21. Re-enactors will live in encampments for the long weekend, following historical inspiration in their clothing, cooking and daily living. Troop inspections and cannon demonstrations are planned, and the Lincoln look-alike is scheduled to deliver the Gettysburg Address.

More information: Calico Ghost Town or (800) 862-2542 (to Calico) or (760) 254-2122.