Daggett California

Daggett founded in the 1860's, before the Waterman's claim for silver in the Calico Mountains now known as the town of Calico.

In 1882, Silver in the Calico Mountains and the Southern Pacific Railroad between Mojave and Daggett made the town originally called Calico Junction. The name created confustion so in 1883 the town was renamed after John Daggett Lieutenant Governor of California, The town grew because of the transportation of silver and borax..

By 1882, 10 stamp mills were in Daggett. Before the railroad moving ore was difficult and it took three days for a round trip to Calico mines. This was because wagons hauled supplies and water to Borate and Calico and ore on the way back. The famous 20-mule teams of 10 teams were hitched together pulling two wagons and a water wagon. Years later Seymour Alf built wagons to haul ore for Pacific Coast Borax. The Alf's Blacksmith Shop is still in Daggett today.

The borax and silver operations made the town of Daggett. By 1902, Daggett had three stores, three saloons, two chinese restaurants, a railroad, a drug store, a lumber yard, and the old Stone Hotel.

By 1902 borax production in the county was at its peak at just over two million dollars. An estimate of more than $9,000,000 of borax and $90,000,000 of silver was taken out of the Calico Hills through Daggett.

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