American soil is home to many historical landmarks, beckoning tourists from all over the world to visit. One such attraction is the Hoover Dam, and its history goes back almost a century. Learning about the site’s conception and importance will make your Hoover Dam tour even more fascinating. Below are some insights as to how and why this massive structure was built.

History Facts for an Informative Hoover Dam Tour

Planning & Approval

The plan for the Hoover Dam was conceptualized in 1922 to prevent flooding and conserve water for irrigation and electricity generation. While there were concerns about the dam’s budget among several Congressmen, the plan was eventually approved at the end of 1928. President Calvin Coolidge announced that the dam would be named after former President Herbert Hoover.

Contractors

The task of designing the dam was given to an architect named Gordon Kauffman. Once the design was approved, the project was awarded to a group of construction contractors called Six Companies in 1931. As expected, the project provided job opportunities to workers from across the country.

Construction

The construction phase took nearly five years, with the first temporary cofferdam ready for use in 1932. Strict budget and time limitations resulted in poor work conditions, which caused many workers to die while the project was underway. The cutting-edge power generation unit and intake towers were finally completed in 1935. The completed structure stood at a massive height of 782 feet—the largest of its kind at the time. The dam provided power to three neighboring states, namely, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Inauguration & Name

The structure was formally inaugurated in 1935, but the controversy surrounding its name persisted. At this point, it was called Boulder Dam, but the site was renamed after President Hoover in 1947.

 

Make your Hoover Dam tour even more enlightening by signing up for the services Laughlin Tours has to offer. Their guided tours will cover all the details of the sites you’re visiting and make your trip worthwhile. For further information, call the Laughlin, NV-based tourism company at (702) 420-5345 and visit their website.