Facts on the Hoover Dam

Thousands of men worked together for almost five years to build the Hoover Dam during the Great Depression to tame the Colorado River. The Hoover Dam is a National Historic Landmark and a civil engineering wonder.

History

Hoover Dam was originally named Boulder Dam but was later changed as tribute to Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the U.S.

Vehicle Access

The following noncommercial vehicles are allowed to cross the Hoover Dam: passenger cars and SUV's, regular vans and mini vans, and pickup trucks. All trailers, motor homes and recreational vehicles, along with rental trucks are allowed to pass but will be inspected.

Power

The Hoover Dam supplies four billion kilowatt-hours to 1.3 million people in Nevada, Arizona and California each year through hydroelectric power.

Discharge Capacity

If all the spillways of the Hoover Dam were opened at the same time, 25 million horsepower of falling water would be achieved. Spillway flow would be the same as Niagara Falls and the drop from the top of the spillway gates would be three times as great.

Recreation

Canoes, kayaks and other personal watercraft can launch from the Hoover Dam for a fee. Only dam employees or contractors are allowed to deliver the crafts to launch sites.

References

• U.S. Department of the Interior
• Desertusa.com