World's Tallest Thermometer

The World's Tallest Thermometer is a landmark in Baker, California, US. It is a steel electric sign that commemorates the weather record of 134 F recorded in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.

The sign weighs 76812 lb and is held together by 125 cuyd of concrete. It stands 134 ft tall and is capable of displaying a maximum temperature of 134 F, both of which are a reference to the temperature record.

History
It was built in 1991 by the Young Electric Sign Company of Salt Lake City, Utah for Willis Herron, a Baker businessman who spent US$700,000 to build the thermometer next to his Bun Boy restaurant. Its height—134 feet—was in honor of the 134-degree record temperature set in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.

Soon after its construction, 70 mph winds snapped the thermometer in half, and it was rebuilt. Two years later, severe gusts made the thermometer sway so much that its light bulbs popped out. Concrete was then poured inside the steel core to reinforce the monument.

Herron sold the attraction and restaurant to another local businessman, Larry Dabour, who sold it in 2005. In September 2012, the owner at that time, Matt Pike, said that the power bill for its operation had reached US$8,000 per month and that he turned it off due to the poor economy.

In 2013, the thermometer and accompanying empty gift shop were listed for sale. The family of Willis Herron (who died in 2007) recovered ownership of the property in 2014 and stated their intention to make it operational again. The renovation was funded with sweat equity and a contribution from the owner's mother of US$150,000. The official re-lighting took place on July 10, 2014.

In December 2016, EVgo announced building the first US fast charge station for electric vehicles at up to 350 kW. The station is located in the rear parking area behind the thermometer, visible to travelers on Interstate 15.