Customer Success Story: Cerro Gordo’s Modern Revival

High above California’s Death Valley sits Cerro Gordo, a ghost town frozen in time. Once a bustling silver mining camp in the 1800s, this historic site has been given a second chance thanks to the vision of caretaker Brent Underwood, who is restoring the town into a tourist destination. Featured on the popular YouTube channel Ghost Town Living, the project has drawn attention for its ambitious goals of blending historical preservation with modern amenities.

One major hurdle stood in the way of Cerro Gordo's revival: connectivity. The remote location, harsh terrain, and rugged structures made providing reliable internet a formidable challenge. Enter Crosstalk Solutions, a leading networking and IT consulting firm, who took on the task of designing and installing a robust network for the ghost town. To ensure their success, they turned to trueCABLE for products capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of Cerro Gordo.

This customer success story details how Crosstalk Solutions utilized trueCABLE’s products to overcome unique challenges and build a future-ready network that is transforming life in Cerro Gordo.

The Challenge: Bringing Connectivity to a Ghost Town

Cerro Gordo’s location, perched 8,300 feet above sea level, presented a unique set of challenges for network installation. The property spans 336 acres of steep mountains, abandoned mine shafts, and scattered historic buildings, making it anything but a straightforward project. Running cables through this rugged terrain required careful planning to deal with natural obstacles like rocky soil and man-made challenges such as debris from the town’s mining days.

Further complicating matters were the buildings themselves. Many of Cerro Gordo’s historic structures, including the General Store and the American Hotel, are clad in metal siding, which interferes with wireless signals. This forced the team to design a network that relied on point-to-point wireless links and strategically placed access points. Adding to the complexity, some critical locations lacked electricity, requiring last-minute adjustments to the original network plan.

Preserving the town’s historic aesthetic was another important consideration. Modern equipment needed to blend seamlessly with the surroundings so as not to detract from the 19th-century charm that defines Cerro Gordo. Every product and installation decision had to account for both functionality and visual impact.

Why trueCABLE Was the Perfect Fit

For a project of this scale and complexity, Crosstalk Solutions needed networking products that were not only reliable but also capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. trueCABLE’s outdoor-rated Cat6 direct burial cable proved to be the ideal solution for Cerro Gordo.

The cable’s shielded design made it resistant to electromagnetic interference, which was critical given the metal-clad buildings on the property. Its water-proof taping and insulation provided superior protection against water, dust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent performance despite the harsh climate. Perhaps the most unique feature was the cable’s brown outer jacket, which allowed it to blend naturally with Cerro Gordo’s historic structures. This small but impactful detail helped preserve the site’s aesthetic integrity while meeting the project’s technical requirements.

In addition to the cable, trueCABLE’s RJ45 pass-through modular plugs were instrumental in simplifying the termination process. These plugs ensured reliable connections, even for long cable runs, and were easy to install in the challenging outdoor conditions. Crosstalk Solutions also utilized trueCABLE’s trueCRIMP All-In-One Tool, which streamlined the termination process and provided added functionality like crimping external grounding wires.

The Installation: Overcoming Obstacles in Real Time

The installation process at Cerro Gordo required both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Crosstalk Solutions had initially planned to use the General Store as the core hub for the network. However, upon arrival, they discovered that the building lacked electricity, forcing them to pivot to an alternative location. The Gordon House was chosen as the new hub, and its central location turned out to be a better fit for the network’s point-to-multipoint design.

Running cables through Cerro Gordo’s rugged terrain was no easy task. Crosstalk Solutions carefully routed cables through abandoned mine shafts and around rocky outcroppings to connect various parts of the property. trueCABLE’s outdoor-rated Cat6 cable proved its durability, handling the harsh conditions without issue. The brown cable jackets blended seamlessly with the historic environment, ensuring the modern infrastructure didn’t detract from the town’s visual appeal.

Despite the challenges, Crosstalk Solutions successfully deployed a network that provided reliable internet coverage across the property. The installation laid the foundation for future expansions, ensuring Cerro Gordo is ready for its next chapter.

The Results: A Network Built for the Future

The new network has had a profound impact on life in Cerro Gordo. Volunteers, caretakers, and guests now have access to reliable Wi-Fi, making communication, work, and leisure activities much more convenient. Caretakers can monitor equipment, coordinate renovation efforts, and communicate across the property in real time, greatly improving efficiency and safety.

This infrastructure is also future-proof, designed to support upcoming expansions as Cerro Gordo grows into a tourist destination. Plans are already underway to extend coverage to new cabins, rebuild the historic American Hotel, and expand connectivity deeper into the mine shafts. The network installed by Crosstalk Solutions, powered by trueCABLE’s products, has set the stage for these future developments.

Feedback from the Field

The network installation has had a transformative impact on Cerro Gordo. Volunteers, caretakers, and guests now enjoy reliable internet connectivity, making communication, project coordination, and day-to-day activities more seamless. Brent Underwood, the owner of Cerro Gordo, shared his thoughts in a post-installation interview saying: “Everything [Crosstalk Solutions] has done, has made things a lot easier, [...] and everybody that I talked to is stoked that the Internet works!” This reliable connectivity has been a game-changer for the town, allowing caretakers to monitor equipment, coordinate restoration efforts, and ensure safety across the expansive property.

We at trueCABLE are thrilled to have contributed to such a transformative project. Seeing our products play a role in blending historical preservation with modern technology is incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited to support future expansions at Cerro Gordo.

Lessons Learned: What This Project Taught Crosstalk Solutions

The Cerro Gordo project offered valuable lessons for future networking installations. Perhaps the most important takeaway was the need for flexibility. Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges—like the lack of power at the General Store—required on-the-spot adjustments. Crosstalk Solutions’ adaptability ensured the project stayed on track and ultimately succeeded.

Preparation also proved essential. In a remote location like Cerro Gordo, where resupplying tools or materials is difficult, having backups for critical components is a must. Finally, the project underscored the importance of choosing products that complement their surroundings. By using brown-jacketed cables that blended into the historic environment, Crosstalk Solutions preserved the aesthetic appeal of Cerro Gordo while delivering modern connectivity.

What’s Next for Cerro Gordo?

The network installed by Crosstalk Solutions is just the beginning for Cerro Gordo. Future projects include rebuilding the American Hotel, expanding connectivity to new cabins, and running cables deeper into the mine shafts. With trueCABLE’s reliable and durable products, these expansions will be supported by the same infrastructure that has already proven its value.

Watch the Journey

Want to see the Cerro Gordo installation in action? Check out Crosstalk Solutions’ video documenting the challenges and triumphs of this incredible project below!

In addition, check out the amazing things Brent is doing in Cerro Gordo at his Youtube channel, @GhostTownLiving.

Conclusion

The revival of Cerro Gordo is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. While Crosstalk Solutions brought their expertise and dedication to the project, trueCABLE’s products played a key role in making the network installation possible. Together, we delivered 21st-century connectivity to this 19th-century treasure, paving the way for its future as a tourist destination.

As Cerro Gordo continues its transformation, trueCABLE is proud to support the journey with products that combine durability, reliability, and thoughtful design. Whether it’s running cables through rugged terrain or supporting a historic preservation effort, trueCABLE is committed to helping customers achieve their networking goals.

Interested in learning how trueCABLE can support your next networking project? Reach out to our wonderful customer success team – we’re here to help you every step of the way!