Calico, California
Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Like many towns during the California Gold Rush, Calico sprung up amid the boom of gold and silver discoveries during the mid-1800s but devolved into a crumbling ghost town once the rush declined. However, Calico’s story gets far more unique after that.
According to SFGate, Walter Knott was passionate about California history, and when he laid eyes on Calico, it became the clear inspiration for what would eventually be known as Knott’s Berry Farm. However, Knott’s passion for it didn’t stop there because once the theme park became popular, he bought the real Calico and restored it into the historic attraction it is today.