If you are in Las Vegas and are already tired of entertainment, go to the border of the States of Nevada and Arizona – to the Black Canyon to visit one of the most impressive sights of these places – Hoover Dam, named after Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States.
The dam, which holds back the Colorado River, forms the country's largest Lake Mead and provides water and electricity to several states at once, was built in 1936. They say that this is the only state project in the entire history of the United States that met both the budget and the deadline. At the same time the landmark structure, built almost a century ago, is still considered the largest and most majestic since the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.
Hoover Dam is considered a miracle of construction and engineering. It was created at a difficult time for America during the Great Depression. Many people came to Nevada to take part in the largest state project and earn at least some money. In total, more than five thousand people took part in the construction of the dam. Its construction took five years.
Hoover Dam became one of the most popular attractions in the country the following year after its opening. Americans came to it from all over the country to see this miracle. Over time, they didn`t lose interest in the dam at all. Today it is visited annually by about 10 million tourists from all over the world.
The American architect Gordon Kaufmann was responsible for the appearance of the dam. He was invited to change the original design which was harshly criticized for the discrepancy between the ordinary appearance and the monumentality of the structure. As a result, Kaufmann created an Art Deco dam. Four spillway towers with clocks rose in front of the dam wall. Some of them show local time for Nevada and others – for Arizona.
You can admire the Hoover Dam from the side or drive up close and wander right along it. You can also take a tour and see the inside of the dam.