"Hydroelectric Building and Power Substation" Top 5 Page for this destination Bodie State Historic Park Off The Beaten Path Tip by Yaqui

Located on Greet Street. Energy for the mills was first derived from steam generated by wood fired boilers. Eventually, however wood fuel became scarce and uneconomical. Thomas Leggett, superintendent of the Standard Company obtained James Cains backing and proceeded on his theory that electricity could be transmitted over wired from a distance. A hydroelectric plant, which could develop 3.500 volts and 130 horse-power was built 13 miles from Bodie on Green Creek above Bridgeport.

November 1892 the first test was made. The signal to proceed was flashed over the telephone line put up parallel to the power line and the switch was thrown. Some of the original poles and lines still stand. They were installed in a straight line as it was feared the electricity would not be able to turn corners. The generations began to hum, and the first motor to be operated over long distance power line was initiated in Bodie.

P.O. Box 515 Bridgeport, CA 93517

Located off of Hwy 395 19 miles south east of Bridgeport, exit off of Highway 270. Drive 10 miles until the paved road ends, then continue on for the last 3 miles of an unpaved dirt road. GPS coordinates N 38.2122 W 119.0111

Phone: 760-647-6445
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509