Worlds Tallest Thermometer

The World’s Tallest Thermometer is a prominent roadside landmark located in Baker, California, in the United States. Constructed as a steel electric sign, it commemorates the record high temperature measured in nearby Death Valley on 10 July 1913, a figure that has become an enduring element of meteorological history. The structure is designed to reflect both the height and the numerical value of that famous temperature record, and it has evolved into a notable attraction encountered by travellers along the Interstate 15 corridor.

Background and Construction

The thermometer was built in 1991 by the Young Electric Sign Company of Salt Lake City, commissioned by local businessman Willis Herron. Herron invested approximately US$700,000 in the project, locating it adjacent to his Bun Boy restaurant, a long-standing establishment within the town. Its height of 134 feet was selected deliberately to honour the 134-degree Fahrenheit temperature recorded in Death Valley, which remains one of the most cited meteorological extremes on record.
Constructed from steel and anchored by a substantial mass of concrete, the structure was engineered to withstand harsh desert conditions. It was also designed to display very high temperatures, with its maximum reading calibrated to match the historic 1913 record. The thermometer thus served not only as a business landmark but also as a symbolic tribute to regional climatic history.

Early Structural Challenges and Reinforcement

Soon after its completion, the structure faced significant environmental challenges. Strong desert winds caused the thermometer to snap in half, necessitating reconstruction. Additional severe gusts occurred two years later, causing the structure to sway so violently that numerous light bulbs dislodged from their fittings. These incidents prompted further reinforcement efforts, leading to the pouring of concrete inside the steel core to enhance internal stability. This improvement allowed the monument to withstand future wind events more reliably and ensured its continued status as a durable landmark.

Ownership Changes and Operational Status

After the structural upgrades, Herron later sold both the thermometer and the adjacent restaurant to local businessman Larry Dabour, who in turn sold the property in 2005. In the years that followed, rising operational costs became a challenge. By September 2012 the then-owner, Matt Pike, stated that the electricity bill for running the thermometer had reached roughly US$8,000 per month. Citing economic constraints, he made the decision to switch off the device. The attraction, together with an adjoining vacant gift shop, was placed on the market in 2013.
A significant turn occurred in 2014 when the family of Willis Herron, who had died in 2007, regained ownership of the property. Motivated by the desire to restore the landmark to operational status, the family initiated a renovation effort. The project was funded partly through substantial personal labour and by a US$150,000 contribution from Herron’s widow. Following the restoration, the thermometer was officially relit on 10 July 2014, symbolically coinciding with the anniversary of the Death Valley temperature record it commemorates.

Developments in the Surrounding Site

In addition to the thermometer’s restoration, the site has also been involved in developments relating to modern transport infrastructure. In December 2016, EVgo announced the installation of the first fast-charging station in the United States capable of delivering outputs of up to 350 kW—far higher than the then-common standard of 50 kW. This charging facility was constructed in the rear parking area behind the thermometer, making it visible and accessible to motorists travelling along Interstate 15. The integration of advanced electric vehicle infrastructure reinforced the location’s relevance within contemporary transportation networks.

Cultural and Regional Significance

The World’s Tallest Thermometer has become emblematic of both Baker and the broader Mojave Desert region. As a highly visible roadside monument, it has long served as an informal gateway marker for travellers heading toward Death Valley or Las Vegas. Its design, which integrates local climatic history with distinctive roadside architecture, has contributed to its standing as an iconic piece of Americana.
Beyond its visual impact, the thermometer reflects shifts in local economic conditions, regional tourism, and technological development. The periods during which the sign went dark and later relit correspond to broader narratives about community identity, heritage preservation, and the role of small towns along major travel routes. Its association with extreme weather records further enhances its place within popular meteorological culture.