Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River at the border of Nevada and Arizona, United States.

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River at the border of Nevada and Arizona, United States. Completed in 1936, it was built for flood control, water storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, and it created Lake Mead. It is one of the best-known large dams in the United States and is widely regarded as an engineering landmark.

History

Hoover Dam was built during the Great Depression as a major federal water and power project. It was completed in 1936 and was named for President Herbert Hoover, who played a significant role in its development.

Design and engineering

The structure is a concrete arch-gravity dam, 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long at the crest. It was considered an extraordinary engineering achievement at the time of construction and remains a major civil engineering landmark.

Functions and operations

The dam regulates the Colorado River, stores water in Lake Mead, and supports irrigation, municipal supply, flood control, and hydroelectric generation. The dam generates about 4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, serving roughly 1.3 million people. Its water and power benefits extend across Nevada, Arizona, and California.

Public significance

Hoover Dam is both a major infrastructure asset and a tourist destination. It has long been associated with the development of the American Southwest and the growth of the Las Vegas region.