Boulder Dam Construction
Alisha McTaggart - 2nd hour
Definition
The construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam occurred from 1931 and 1936, which was during the Great Depression.
Time Frame/Exact Date
- 1928 - Congress authorized the project of constructing a dam between the Black Canyon.
- 1931 - Construction was started by Six Companies, Inc.
- 1936 - Construction finished nearly two years ahead of schedule.
- September 30, 1935 - Boulder Dam was dedicated to President Herbert Hoover.
- October 2010 - Hoover Dam Bypass opened.
Impact
- Controls floods
- Provides irrigation water to farmers
- Produces hydroelectric power
- Provides jobs
- Killed over 100 people during construction
- Started the decline of the estuarine (marine life) ecosystem
- Sparked controversy during the naming process
Causes
The U.S. government was searching for a place to put a damn that would control floods, provide irrigation water, and produce hydroelectric power.
Successes
- Colorado River was controlled for the first time in history.
- Farmers had a dependable water supply.
- Cities received an inexpensive source of electricity.
Failures
- Killed off thousands of species of fish and other marine life.
- Killed hundreds of people during construction.
- Naming sparked controversy.
Location
Clark County, Nevada/Mohave County, Arizona in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.
People
Thousands of people were impacted, including workers and their families and people living in cities that were being provided hydroelectricity.
Government involvement
- Presidents - Franklin Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover
- Government branches - U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
The Construction of Hoover Dam AKA Boulder Dam