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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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Hoover Dam’s history

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.