The Construction of the Hoover Dam

Boulder Damn

The Hoover Dam started out called the Boulder Dam.  The Herbert Hoover administration changed the name to the Hoover Dam in 1930 as a political move. 

The Contract

Six construction firms created a consortium called Six Company, Inc.  They where the lowested qualified bidder at $48,890,955.  It was given incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing the project late.

Great Depression Brings many Workers

Many workers came in hopes of landing jobs building the Hoover Dam.  Living coniditons were difficult, and a shantytwon known as Ragtown was created for the workers and their families. 

3,250,000 Cubic Yards of Concrete

The dam itself required 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete and the power plant and intake towers required an additional 1,000,000 cubic yards of concrete.  Two plants where created onsite, to produce the concrete.