Beginning in 1900, it became obvious that a dam would be necessary to cultivate development in Nevada and Arizona.  The dam would do the valuable service of controlling floods, providing irrigation and producing hydroelectric power. After several years of investigation, it was discovered that the Black Canyon of the Colorado River would be the best location. In 1931, construction of the $49 million, arch-gravity dam began, originally with the name Boulder Dam.

On this date, March 1,  in 1936, the Hoover Dam project was completed.  The dam was constructed by Six Companies, Inc. and completed more than two years ahead of schedule. More than 100 lives were lost during the dam’s construction.  As it was no small feet to dam up the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam project is considered one of the greatest engineering projects of all time.  Since its creation, the Hoover Dam has provided power for Nevada, Arizona, and California.

In addition to its practical implications, the Hoover Dam is also a major tourist location.  Approximately 500,000 people visit the Hoover Dam each year and until 2010, the U.S. 93 brought heavy traffic along the dam’s crest.