Mineral & Mining
Background
The mineral and mining industry in Barstow stands as a cornerstone of the city's economic landscape, harnessing the region's rich geological resources. Set against the captivating backdrop of Southern California's diverse terrain, Barstow's mineral industry encompasses a wide spectrum of valuable minerals and raw materials. With a history deeply intertwined with mining, the city has developed a reputation as a strategic hub for mineral extraction, processing, and distribution.
Barstow's proximity to mineral-rich deposits has attracted both local and national mining companies, fostering a collaborative environment that embraces innovation and sustainable practices. The industry plays a vital role in providing essential materials for construction, manufacturing, and various sectors, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth while honoring its history and natural resources.
Mining can spur economic development and many opportunities, ranging from employment to fiscal revenue growth to manufacturing. And along with mining comes the minerals that are important in a vast array of ways, such as use for technology, energy and developing infrastructure.
The Mojave desert is known as a mineralogically rich area. Many of these Southern California mining sites, including Barstow, have been popular and still produce minerals to this day.
Did you know…
In the late 1800s, the Barstow area became a mining center. Daggett was discovered in the 1860s. It was originally called Calico Junction but was renamed after California Lieutenant Governor John Daggett when silver was discovered six miles north in the Calico Mountains in 1882.
The finding of silver in Calico and the building of the Southern Pacific Railroad from Mojave to Daggett in 1882 made the area a mining center.
The Calico Railroad (later called the Daggett-Calico Railroad) started hauling ore from Calico to the Oro Grande Milling Company, across the river from Daggett in 1888. That same year, the Santa Fe Railroad arrived in town. The town was later named after the president of the Santa Fe, William Barstow Strong. The mine shut down in 1896 when all the silver had played out.
But in 1883, the borax rush hit Calico, and by 1902, three borax mines employing 200 men supported Daggett. It is estimated that borax taken from the Calico Hills amounted to more than $9 million, while more than $90 million in silver was removed. As the 20th century progressed, Calico and Daggett diminished while Barstow grew. It became a busy rail center and a jumping off place for immigrants entering the state on U.S. Route 66, as made famous by John Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath."