Heralded as a bastion of American engineering ingenuity, the Hoover Dam wasn't always powering three separate states. In 1931, construction began on the now iconic structure, a project defined by large equipment, gravity-defying techniques, and hard workers.
From the Black Canyon in its original form to workers braving 500-foot heights to get the job done, here are 12 fascinating photos of the Hoover Dam being built.
1
History in the Making
The site of the Hoover Dam as depicted in 1904, roughly a quarter century before construction began on the project.
2
High-Flying Workers
"Apache Indians employed as high-scalers on the construction of Hoover Dam,” the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration wrote of this 1932 snap.
3
Rock On
"Two and one-half cubic yard dragline excavator working in middle channel of foundation excavation. Photo shows type of rock structure disclosed in upstream end of the deeper channel of the foundation excavation."
4
Engineering Success
Engineer Walker Young poses for a construction-site photo with the Hoover Dam’s superintendent, Frank Crowe, 1935.
5
Drilling Down
Workers building the Hoover Dam stand 500 feet above the Colorado River as they drill into the Black Canyon’s layers of rock, 1932.
6
Hard at Work
Workers pose with their drilling equipment during the construction of the Hoover Dam, 1932.
7
Work in Progress
The Hoover Dam as seen in February 1934.
8
Drilling Jumbo
"Drilling jumbo used in upper 36 feet of 41-foot diameter upper penstock header. This view shows the drilling face."
9
Pouring One Out
"Pouring invert concrete in diversion tunnel No. 3.”
10
The Inlet Portal
"Sidewall tunnel forms being utilized in forming bulkhead gate structure at inlet portal of Diversion Tunnel No. 1."
11
Big Equipment Energy
“Erecting movable tower for 20-ton cableway to operate over Hoover Damsite. Note inclined rail on canyon side of structure which is designed to carry thrust."
12
Working Hard
Workers pose for a photo on a “Jumbo Rig,” which aided in drilling the structure’s tunnels.
