HOOVER DAM

Straddling the Nevada/Arizona state border, the construction of the hydroelectric power plant is one of the outstanding engineering feats of the century.
In the beginning it was constructed during the Great Depression. The Black Canyon was selected as the best site because of the narrow and sheer rock walls of more than 800 feet.
Finding men eager to do the backbreaking and very dangerous work was no problem. In May of 1932 work was started on this concrete marvel. Taking two years of pouring concrete day and night, when it was finished more than 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete were in place.
Cost for that part was $49 million, the largest construction contract let by the federal government up to that time.
Hoover Dam only took four and a half years to complete. The overall cost including the dam, power plant and all related structures was $165 million.
The multi-purpose dam was built to harness the Colorado River. Accomplishing this meant they would have flood control, irrigation, water storage and power. With the Arizona/ Nevada borders running down the middle of the Colorado River, each state has a set of turbines inside the base structure. The water passes through these turbines generating low-cost hydroelectric power for both states. They sell power to California which uses a lot of the power generated at Hoover Dam.
The arch-gravity structure is more than 726 feet form bedrock and is 600 feet thick, at the base 45 feet wide at the top, to crest 1244 feet across the canyon, rim to rim.
Lake Mead
The back water of the dam is 495 feet deep and makes a man-made lake called Lake Mead. It extends more than 110 miles upstream. It is one of the most popular recreation areas, with a year-a-round season. Nearly 10-million visitors come form all over the world to play here each year.
Hoover Dam is the third most popular tourist attractions in the United States.
There is a multilevel parking garage tucked into the upper rocks of the canyon wall on the Nevada side. This will cost you but you can park free on the Arizona side and walk across.
There is a visitor’s center with audiovisual programs on the construction. Also tours for an additional charge.
Desert Princess
With 550 miles of shore line it is the perfect spot to have a Mississippi River style paddlewheel boat. The Desert Princess is a 3 level paddlewheel with 2 floors that are climate controlled enclosed decks and an open promenade deck for picture taking and outside enjoyment. Cursing the sparkling waters with breakfast, mid-day, dinner, and dinner/dancing cruses.
Just 30 miles South of LasVegas, Nevada.
Reservations are recommended for the Desert Princess or the other smaller Desert Princess also. Desert Princess is a three level paddlewheel, 2 floors are climate controlled enclosed decks and an open promenade dick for picture taking.
Listen to fascinating stories of the construction of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and The Grand Canyon.


Rand McNally Folded Map: Henderson, Boulder City