Daggett, California: A Unique Desert Community with Renewable Energy Roots

Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the unincorporated community of Daggett, California offers a glimpse into the state's rich history and its pioneering spirit. With a population of around 200 residents, Daggett may be small, but it has played a significant role in the development of renewable energy technology.

Daggett's origins can be traced back to the 1880s, when the town was founded in the wake of a silver mining boom in the nearby Calico Mountains. The town's strategic location along the Southern Pacific and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway lines made it an important transportation hub, and for a time, it was even considered as a potential site for the main rail station in the region. However, the high cost of land due to the silver mining activities led the railroads to establish their main station in the nearby town of Barstow instead.

Despite this setback, Daggett continued to thrive, thanks in part to the borax mining industry. The town was the terminal for the famous "Twenty Mule Team" that hauled borax from Death Valley, and it was also home to the Borate and Daggett Railroad, which was built to transport the mineral more efficiently.

In more recent times, Daggett has gained recognition for its role in the development of solar power. The world's first commercial solar power plants, SEGS I and SEGS II, were located in Daggett, and the town was also home to the Solar One pilot project, which used a unique solar power tower to generate electricity.

Today, Daggett continues to be a hub for renewable energy, with the Coolwater Generating Station undergoing a transformation into a 482 MW photovoltaic power station with 394 MW of battery storage. This project is a testament to the town's enduring commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

For visitors to Daggett, the town's rich history and its connection to renewable energy make it a fascinating destination. The Daggett Cemetery, with its graves dating back to the early 1900s, offers a glimpse into the town's past, while the remnants of the old railroad beds and the Borate and Daggett Railroad provide a tangible link to the town's industrial heritage.

When it comes to internet services, Daggett residents have a range of options to choose from. The town is served by several providers, including Charter Communications (Spectrum), Frontier Communications, HughesNet, Starlink, T-Mobile, Ultimate Internet Access, and Viasat. These providers offer a variety of internet technologies, including cable, DSL, satellite, and terrestrial fixed wireless, with download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.

Whether you're interested in exploring Daggett's history, marveling at its renewable energy innovations, or simply seeking reliable internet connectivity, this unique desert community has much to offer. So, if you find yourself in the Mojave, be sure to make a stop in Daggett and experience a slice of California's past and present.