By William Jackson
Built during the Great Depression, the Hoover Dam stands as modern marvel of engineering as well as a monument to American ingenuity and accomplishment in the face of economic strife. The project employed thousands of people and more masonry work than any of the pyramids of Giza. It is no wonder over 4,000 tourists visit this historic dam every day.
Location
The Hoover Dam is located just 30 miles east of Las Vegas on the Colorado River, spanning the border between Nevada and Arizona.
History
Construction on the Hoover Dam was begun in 1930, and it was completed in 1935 with the help of about 16,000 workers and $49 million. Originally called Boulder Dam, it was renamed after the 31st president, Herbert Hoover, in appreciation for his work and contribution to the building project.
Function
Before the Hoover Dam was built, the Colorado had a devastating tendency to flood, overflowing the banks at towns and settlements below. In addition to taming this wild river, the dam houses 17 power generators with the capacity for producing 2,000 megawatts of electricity, supplying power to over 750,000 people. The resultant Lake Mead is an important water source for millions living in the southwest.
Measurements
Taller than the Washington Monument, the dam spans 724 feet in height and 1,224 feet in length. It measures 660 feet thick at its base, and weighs 6.6 million tons. Water pressure at the dam's base reaches 45,000 pounds per square foot.
Tours
Several local tour operators provide Hoover Dam tours. The standard sightseeing circuit lasts one to two hours. If you don't have a car of your own, some tours begin and end in Las Vegas.
About the Author:
William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.
