Dedication of the Hoover Dam

September 30th, 1935

September 30th, 1935

Dedication of the Hoover Dam
How Long Ago?

89 years, 5 months, 15 days ago

Location

Hoover Dam, Arizona-Nevada border, USA

Category

Transportation & Infrastructure

People
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt
Links & References
Tags

Dedication of the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam was officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on September 30, 1935, marking the completion of its construction. Situated on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the dam was built during the Great Depression to provide jobs and deliver water and hydroelectric power to the southwestern United States. The event featured speeches, including one by the President, and was attended by thousands who witnessed the monumental achievement of engineering and design.

Hoover Dam construction began in 1931.

Provided jobs during the Great Depression.

Created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir.

Attracted millions of tourists annually.

What Happened?

The dedication of the Hoover Dam was a significant occasion that celebrated one of the most important engineering feats of its time. Completed under budget and ahead of schedule, the dam was a product of the New Deal era, which aimed to combat the economic hardships of the Great Depression. The construction, which began in 1931, employed thousands of workers and provided critical jobs during a time of widespread unemployment. The project utilized innovative techniques and materials and required the precision of many skilled laborers and engineers.

On September 30, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered an eloquent speech to commemorate the event, emphasizing the dam's role in promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in the region. The event attracted notable figures, dignitaries, and thousands of spectators who gathered to celebrate the completion of the structure. The dam spanned the Colorado River, creating Lake Mead, which became the largest reservoir in the United States, and provided crucial water and power to cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, shaping their growth.

In the years following its dedication, the Hoover Dam became a symbol of American ingenuity and resilience. It was recognized not only for its functional benefits but also for its striking Art Deco design, which attracted tourists from around the world, contributing to the growth of infrastructure in the surrounding areas. The dam's construction represented a turning point in the relationship between the federal government and water management in the west, establishing policies and projects that would influence regional development for decades to come.

Why Does it Matter?

The dedication of the Hoover Dam is significant as it represents a monumental achievement in American engineering and infrastructure. It exemplified the capabilities of modern technology and the government's role in large-scale public works projects. The dam not only provided immediate economic benefits during the Great Depression but also laid the foundation for the economic development of the southwestern United States, impacting water management and energy production policies for generations.

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