
Hoover Dam History
Not all of Nevada’s uncommonly beautiful landmarks are all natural. Beyond vast canyons, lush forests, and pristine lakes, the Silver State boasts man-made wonders that draw visitors from all over the world. In fact, more than 7 million visitors flock to this marvel of American engineering each year.
Hoover Dam is situated in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Upon its completion in 1936, it was the world’s largest hydroelectric power-producing facility and largest concrete structure. Initially known as Boulder Dam, the dam was renamed to honor President Herbert Hoover, who played a significant role in its development.
When Was Hoover Dam Built?
Hoover Dam was constructed during the Great Depression between 1931 and 1936. The project drew tens of thousands of hopeful workers and their families, with employment peaking at 5,251 daily workers.
Progress was brisk, and the dam was completed two years ahead of schedule while staying under its $49 million budget. More than 10,000 people attended the dedication ceremony in 1935, along with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Why Was Hoover Dam Built?
In the early 1900s, many Western communities had reached a growth ceiling due to limited water access. A dam on the West’s largest river would create a massive reservoir to manage growth, as well as provide hydroelectric power to millions.
The Bureau of Reclamation began searching for the perfect location to construct said dam on the mighty Colorado River. Congress approved the project, and it went to auction. Six contractors formed a joint venture to win the right to build what would become a world-famous National Historic Landmark.
Hoover Dam created a massive reservoir known as Lake Mead, which is critical for managing water supply in the region. Today, the dam continues to provide water and power for millions of people in southern Nevada, northern Arizona, and southern California.
Hoover Dam Construction Project
In the late 1920s, project leaders identified the perfect dam construction site: a narrow gorge on the Nevada-Arizona border called Black Canyon. To house the thousands of workers—and to ensure they stayed away from Prohibition-era temptations—the federal government designed and built a nearby company town called Boulder City.
The newly approved project had a site and a new town to support it. Now all they needed was an army of workers willing to labor in the punishing Mojave heat in dangerous conditions. The construction site posed significant challenges, including high temperatures, the risk of rockslides, and dangerous working conditions in tunnels where carbon monoxide from machinery was a serious hazard. Fortunately for the dam, its construction coincided with the peak years of the Great Depression, when many young men were out of work. Construction began in 1931.
To build the dam, workers diverted the Colorado River and constructed two cofferdams to protect the work site from the swiftly moving river. In total, workers used 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete to build the dam and an additional 1,100,000 cubic yards to build the power plant and other infrastructure.
Today, Hoover Dam is one of the finest examples of American engineering. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest dam in the United States, standing 726 feet high. The dam remains one of the nation’s most-visited landmarks, thanks in part to its easy access from Las Vegas.
How Much Did It Cost to Build Hoover Dam?
Construction costs for Hoover Dam totalled $49 million—about $860 million in 2023 dollars. The average wage for dam workers was 62.5 cents an hour, or $11-$12 an hour in 2023 dollars.
How Long Did It Take to Build Hoover Dam?
Construction on Hoover Dam lasted about five years, from 1931 to 1936. Though the contractors who won the bid had seven years to finish the dam, the project was actually finished two years ahead of schedule.
How Many People Died Building Hoover Dam?
According to the Bureau of Reclamation, 96 people died in the building of Hoover Dam. Deaths are attributed to falls from the towering canyon walls, machinery accidents, drownings, and rockslides. However, despite all the rumors and urban legends, there are no bodies buried in Hoover Dam.
Learn About Hoover Dam’s History In Person
Visit Hoover Dam and get an up-close look at one of Nevada’s most famous, larger-than-life landmarks. More than 7 million people from around the world make the journey every year. Guided tours of both the dam and the power plant are available, though dam tour tickets may only be purchased on site. Power plant tour tickets are available for purchase online.
Remember: If you’re driving to Hoover Dam, your vehicle will be subject to inspection at Hoover Dam Inspection Checkpoint on Nevada State Route 172.