📍 Geographical Location
The Boulder Dam, now officially known as the Hoover Dam, is situated on the border between Nevada and Arizona. It spans the Colorado River in the Black Canyon, approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. The dam's strategic location was chosen due to the narrowness of the canyon, which provided a natural bottleneck for construction.
Coordinates
- Latitude: 36.0156° N
- Longitude: 114.7378° W
Nearby Communities 🏘️
Several communities are situated near the dam:
- Boulder City, Nevada - Created specifically to house dam workers during construction
- Henderson, Nevada
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Kingman, Arizona
Natural Setting and Climate ⛰️
The dam is nestled within the Black Canyon, surrounded by:
- Rugged desert terrain
- Steep canyon walls
- Lake Mead (upstream)
- Colorado River (downstream)
The area experiences a hot desert climate with:
Average summer temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C)
Winter temperatures ranging from 40-60°F (4-16°C)
Minimal rainfall throughout the year
Access and Transportation
The dam is accessible via U.S. Highway 93, which runs across its crest. In 2010, the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge was completed, allowing through traffic to bypass the dam while providing spectacular views of this engineering marvel.
🏗️ Historical Significance
Originally named Boulder Dam, the structure was later renamed Hoover Dam in honor of President Herbert Hoover. Built during the Great Depression (1931-1936), it provided thousands of jobs during economic hardship.
Construction Highlights
- Height: 726 feet
- Length: 1,244 feet
- Concrete Volume: Approximately 3.25 million cubic yards
🌟 Tourist Attractions
The dam attracts over 7 million visitors annually. Visitors can explore:
- The visitor center with exhibits and films
- Power plant tours
- Dam passageways
- Observation deck with stunning views
- Bureau of Reclamation exhibits
🌐 Additional Resources
For more information, visit: