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History of Hoover Dam | Timeline, construction, & more

Completed in 1936 during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam harnessed the Colorado River to provide water, electricity, and flood control in the Lower Colorado region. This monumental engineering project created thousands of jobs and remains a symbol of American innovation, ingenuity, and determination.

Hoover Dam timeline

  • 1900s (early): Colorado River floods and irrigation attempts
    Frequent floods in the early 1900s prompt the American Southwest to seek solutions for controlling the Colorado River.
  • 1921: Herbert Hoover’s role
    Herbert Hoover proposes a dam on the Colorado River to address water supply issues, irrigation, and flood control.
  • 1922: Colorado River Compact signed
    Seven basin states sign the compact in Santa Fe, dividing the river’s water between the upper and lower basins, without individual state quotas.

  • 1928: Boulder Canyon Project Act signed
    The federal government passes the bill to fund the construction of the Hoover Dam, with Hoover playing a central role in drafting the legislation.

  • 1930: Construction begins
    Construction officially begins on the Hoover Dam, employing thousands of workers under extreme conditions.

  • 1935: Hoover Dam completed
    Hoover Dam is officially finished, standing 726 feet tall and providing flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.

  • 1937: Hydroelectric power generation starts
    The hydroelectric generators go online, supplying power to the southwest.

  • 1947: Hoover’s name restored
    Congress restores President Hoover’s name to the dam after an attempt to remove it.

  • 1987: Construction cost paid off
    Revenue from hydroelectric power sales fully repays the $49 million construction cost (adjusted for inflation).

  • Present day: Ongoing impact
    Hoover Dam controls flooding, irrigates 1.5 million acres, provides water to 16 million people, and powers 500,000 homes.

Hoover Dam’s history explained

Early beginnings (1900–1920s)

In the early 1900s, the Colorado River presented a challenge for the American Southwest, with frequent flooding and limited irrigation potential. After decades of failed attempts to control the river, Herbert Hoover, as Secretary of Commerce, proposed the idea of a dam that would provide irrigation, power, and flood control. The Colorado River Compact (1922) was a landmark agreement, dividing water rights among seven states and gave federal approval for the dam’s construction. This agreement marked the beginning of the Hoover Dam's journey.

Construction era (1930-1935)

In 1930, during the depths of the Great Depression, construction on the Hoover Dam began. With thousands of workers laboring under grueling conditions, the dam was built ahead of schedule and completed in 1935. The project was a monumental engineering feat, standing 726 feet tall, and became a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of the American people during tough economic times. Not only did the dam offer flood control and irrigation, but it also created jobs and set a precedent for future large-scale infrastructure projects.

World War II and postwar (1940s)

During World War II, the Hoover Dam became a crucial power source for war industries. The hydroelectric power it generated supplied electricity for factories manufacturing weapons, ammunition, and other critical wartime supplies, aiding the U.S. war effort. After the war, the significance of the dam grew further. In 1947, an attempt by the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to rename the dam was overturned. Hoover’s name was restored by Congress, as his role in the dam's creation and the ongoing benefits it provided were undeniable. The controversy highlighted Hoover's lasting influence in shaping the American landscape.

Modern era (1980s-Present)

By 1987, the dam’s construction cost was fully repaid through the sale of hydroelectric power. Today, the Hoover Dam continues to serve as an engineering inspiration, controlling flooding, supplying water to millions, and generating electricity for over 500,000 homes. The dam also supports the Lake Mead Reservoir, providing recreational opportunities and habitats for wildlife. As a National Historic Landmark, it remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, with an annual 7 million visitors.

Construction & architecture

Hoover Dam's construction began in 1930, with six years of intense work in the Boulder Canyon region. Built using 4.4 million cubic yards of concrete, it was a feat of modern engineering. Builders used a unique technique called the “vertical slip form” to pour concrete, which was crucial in withstanding the dam’s massive weight and pressure.

Key contributors included chief engineer John L. Savage and architect Henry J. Kaiser. The dam’s Art Deco design is reflected in its clean lines and stylized shapes, making it both an engineering marvel and an aesthetic icon. Over the years, restorations have maintained its functionality, particularly the power plant, ensuring its continued operation today.

Hoover Dam today - Why it matters

Hoover Dam continues to be a vital source of hydroelectric power, providing electricity to over 500,000 homes in the Southwest. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, it plays a crucial role in flood control, water storage, and irrigation for millions. Visitors today can tour the dam’s interior, marvel at its impressive architecture, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Mead.

Make the most of your Hoover Dam visit!

Take a VIP guided tour of the dam’s interiors, led by a local guide. Visit the Power Plant, walk the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and visit the Hoover Dam Museum in downtown Boulder City.

Book now

Frequently asked questions about Hoover Dam’s history

Who built the Hoover Dam?

The Hoover Dam was built by a team of engineers, workers, and contractors led by chief engineer John L. Savage. Thousands of workers, many from across the U.S., contributed to the project during the Great Depression.

What is the historical significance of the dam?

The Hoover Dam is a symbol of American engineering ingenuity. It helped tame the Colorado River, providing water, power, & flood control for the Southwest, and provided employment to over 21,000 men.

Who owns Hoover Dam now?

Today, the Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency, manages Hoover Dam. It is operated in partnership with Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for power and water distribution.

Is it the biggest dam in the world?

No, Hoover Dam is not the largest in the world. While it was one of the largest when completed, dams like the Three Gorges Dam in China now hold the title for the largest by installed capacity.

What does the Hoover Dam symbolize for America?

It symbolizes resilience, innovation, and human achievement. Built during the Great Depression, it stands as a testament to the power of public works to transform communities, create jobs, and shape the future of the American West.

How many years did the dam construction take?

Construction of the Hoover Dam took 5 years, from 1930 to 1935, despite challenges like extreme weather, remote location, and the scale of the project.

Is there a guided tour of Hoover Dam’s history?

Yes! Visitors can take a VIP guided tour that dives into the rich history of the dam, its construction, and its role in shaping the Southwest, or opt for a highlights tour that covers the essentials only.

How has the dam changed over the years?

While the Hoover Dam's structure has remained largely the same, there have been upgrades to its power plant and maintenance projects to keep it functional.

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