Facts about the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam, also known as the Boulder Dam, in Nevada, U.S.A, is a concrete arch-gravity dam. Check out these quick facts about the world renowned dam:

1. What’s in a Name?
   

   The Hoover Dam was named for 31^st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. This caused quite an uproar, as many blamed Hoover for the Great Depression.

2. Lots of Concrete was Used
   

   To build the dam itself, 3,250,000m³ of concrete was required.

3. Employment During Great Depression
   

   Construction of the Hoover Dam began during the Great Depression, when unemployment rates were high. The dam provided approximately 21,000 workers with employment.

4. Ahead of Schedule
   

   At commencement of construction in 1931, it was anticipated that the dam would take a total of 7 years to complete. The dam was finished ahead of schedule in 1936.

5. Electricity Power
   

   The dam generates enough electricity to power 1.3 million homes (1.5 million kilowatts of power), and is used to create power for homes in southern California, Arizona, and Nevada.

6. Largest Reservoir
   

   Creating the Hoover Dam created the U.S.’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead.

7. Tallest Dam in the World (for a While)
   

   At 726.4 feet, the Hoover Dam was the tallest dam in the world at the time of its construction. It was stripped of its title in 1968, by the Oroville Dam.