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Photographer: Barry Swackhamer
Taken: October 22, 2011
Caption: Dynamo Pond History
Additional Description: Dynamo Pond was home to the first hydroelectric power plant in the eastern Sierra to supply power for Bodie, a then very famous gold mining town. Tomas Leffett, Superintendent of the Standard Company, proceeded on his theory that electricity could be transmitted over wires from a distance. In 1892, Dynamo Pond and its power house were built for hydroelectric power that could produce 6,600 volt and 130 horsepower. By November 1892, hydro power was generated and transmitted to Bodie, 13 miles away. This was the first time electricity had been transmitted any distance, The lines were installed in a straight line, as it was feared the electricity would not be able to turn corners. News of this engineering breakthrough spread clear around the world and the engineers soon received requests to build similar hydro plants from as far away as Australia.
Submitted: November 29, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p182701
File Size: 2.908 Megabytes

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