Located approximately 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and 95 miles from the Grand Canyon West Rim, the Hoover Dam welcomes millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re just passing through for the day or staying to explore the area, it’s easy to book an excursion that allows you to experience this world-famous concrete arch-gravity dam up close and personal. However, before setting off on your Hoover Dam tour, here’s a brief look at its rich history to get you more excited about your trip.   

Plans for the Dam

Proposals for the Hoover Dam began in the early 20th century as a way to solve some of the water issues occurring in the Southwest. Farmers relied on the surrounding canal systems for irrigation; however, these were difficult to maintain. There was also a problem with the Colorado River flooding and damaging many of the canals. 

By 1922, President Herbert Hoover had approved plans for the Hoover Dam, originally named the Boulder Dam, to help control water flow to farms near the Arizona-Nevada border. Designed by architects Henry John Kaiser and Gordon Kaufmann, it was also meant to provide the developing region with hydroelectric power.  

The Construction Process

Construction of the Hoover Dam took place from 1931 to 1936, during the Great Depression. After moving the dam’s initial location from Boulder Canyon to Black Canyon, the first phase of the project began. This involved blasting the canyon walls to create tunnels that would divert water flow. Then, rock and sediment were cleared to form the dam’s foundation. 

Next, concrete was delivered and mixed onsite. Because of the curation process, the dam had to be built in segments. Interlocking blocks were used to keep the material from cracking and deteriorating over time. 

Despite being one of the most forward-thinking projects of its time, constructing the Hoover Dam turned out to be a slow-moving and dangerous feat. Workers faced harsh conditions, having to travel through tunnels full of carbon monoxide and dangle from ledges hundreds of feet in the air.

Hoover Dam Today

Today, the Hoover Dam is considered one of the most unique landmarks in the country. The structure stands about 726 feet high and spans 1,244 feet wide. It helps supply domestic water, agricultural irrigation water, and an average of four billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to communities throughout Nevada, Arizona, and California. Hoover Dam tours make it easy for those who come from all over to see this engineering marvel and historical fixture.

If you’re interested in visiting one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., consider taking a Hoover Dam tour with Laughlin Tours. This award-winning company is dedicated to providing fun and memorable day trips around the Southwest region. Serving the Laughlin, NV area, they offer a variety of excursions that are perfect for families, foodies, and adventure seekers. Call (702) 420-5345 to reserve your date, or visit them online to learn more about their services.