Hoover Dam - Top 10 Construction Achievements 20th Century

The Hoover Dam was easily one of the ten most impressive construction achievements of the 20th century and continues to provide power for more than a million people spread across three states. The Hoover Dam is an awe-inspiring site to visit and a significant source of clean energy in the Las Vegas area. Touring the Hoover Dam is a great chance to experience one of Nevada's most striking landmarks. Our real estate agents have the details on the history of the Hoover Dam, how to plan a visit, and what to expect from the Hoover Dam in the future. 

The Hoover Dam: One of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century

The History of the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam was one of the most massive public works projects ever undertaken in the United States, with construction beginning in 1931. By 1936 the dam was completed, with FDR himself commemorating the dam's opening. There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam to build a road stretching across the entire US, and construction was such a big deal culturally that spectators came out to watch the high-flying antics of some construction crews. The Hoover Dam was the tallest dam in the world when construction was completed and still stands as one of the most impressive, impactful construction projects of the 20th century.

Whether you're shopping Las Vegas homes for sale or walking the Strip, there's a good chance that you're enjoying the benefits of the Hoover Dam. The dam provides enough power for more than a million people in Nevada, California, and Arizona. There are plans to upgrade the Hoover Dam, which would allow it to provide even more power during times of peak demand.

What to Know about Visiting the Hoover Dam

While pictures and video are impressive, there's nothing quite like seeing the scale of the Hoover Dam in person. Tours of the dam are available on most days of the year, with occasional breaks for construction/maintenance projects and significant holidays. Tickets for power plant tours are available on a first-come, first serve, starting at 9 am each day. You can also spend time at the visitor's center (tickets required), which is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. At the Hoover Dam parking garage, which is open from 9 am to 6 pm, you'll find a gift shop, and a concession area stocked with refreshments.

Tours are handled by the Bureau of Reclamation, which started providing tours shortly after the Hoover Dam opened in 1936 and had continued ever since. Participants in power plant tours must be at least eight years of age, while there is no age requirement for touring the visitor's center.

A Sustainable Vision for the Future

The Hoover Dam has been a crucial source of clean energy since construction finished in 1936, and plans are already in place to help the dam meet modern energy needs. A proposed pipeline to pump water from the Colorado River back into the dam's reservoir could allow the Hoover Dam to provide more power during times of peak energy use, further limiting reliance on fossil fuels. No matter how the Hoover Dam is modified in the future, you can be sure that it will remain one of America's most impressive construction achievements.

The Hoover Dam is one of many stunning landmarks and unique attractions in the Las Vegas area, which you can enjoy any time when you call the city home. Contact us at Wardley Real Estate to buy and sell homes throughout the Las Vegas, NV area.