The first settlers were drawn to the heart of the Mojave Desert when silver, borax and other ores were found in the 1860s. In 1882 the Southern Pacific Railroad came along and the town of Calico Station was born, the supply center for the surrounding mining towns, from which a narrow-gauge railway also ran here. In 1883 the name was changed to Daggett in honor of incumbent California Governor John Daggett and to avoid confusion with nearby Calico.
Desert Market at Daggett
The first trading post was established in the 19th century, where the mined ores, gold and silver could be exchanged for cash. After the wooden building burned down in 1908, it was replaced with a concrete structure, making it one of the first fireproof buildings in the Mojave Desert. There is still a trading post here today, though it's more likely to come in with cash and refreshments.
Old Stone Hotel in Daggett
The building was erected in the 1870s and has hosted many a celebrity: Governor John Daggett, "Death Valley" Scotty (the builder of Scooty's Castle), John Muir and Wyatt Earp. A gas station and a cafe were also united under the same roof.
Fout's Garage in Daggett
Initially, this building was a locomotive shed for a mining narrow-gauge railway. After this was discontinued, the shed was moved to its current position. From then on it served as a stable, general store and, from the 1940s, as a workshop by the Fout brothers.
Alf's Blacksmith Shop in Daggett
Seymour Alf came to the area in 1881 and first tried his hand as a farmer with limited success. In 1885 he moved to Daggett and worked primarily as a blacksmith and carriage builder, but also built and leveled many a road. After his death in 1922, his son Walter continued the business until 1970.
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