Hoover Dam

When I thought about writing a review on Hoover Dam I decided that among other things I would search through and see what others had said about it. I found that at the time it was part of fifty-one blogs and there must have been more than 200 pictures of either the dam, outside and in, and Lake Mead. Many even mentioned and photographed the new highway that is being built high overhead and slightly farther south of the dam itself. More about that in a moment.
After all the blogs I only one review of this marvelous, magnificent and even easily recognized sight. So in putting together this review I am using my own recalls and experiences, and a little of the information available everywhere.
More about the new roadway. They are creating this for a couple of reasons. First, now that there is much more traffic around the area the present road over the top of the dam is slow and congested and they want to speed things up. The second reason is security. After 9/11 the United States has put many extra security steps into effect. By building the road where they have they are lowering the possibility of a major disaster if an enemy decided to try an attack there.
The dam is located in Black Canyon, just about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. It is what is called and arch-gravity type, where the water load is carried by both gravity action and horizontal arch action. Construction began in April 1931 and was completed in March 1936. Although originally named Boulder Dam it was renamed after President Herbert Hoover. And at the time it was the largest electric-power generating station and the world's largest concrete structure. Lake Meade when full backs up 110 miles behind the dam.
Some tours are still available but they are not as complete as in days past.
Certainly it is a wonderful stop between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, but for southern California who gets most of the power generated by the dam it is what gives them life.

If you're in to structures the Hoover Dam is really a must but even if you're not really into structures, it's a nice sight. When you drive from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon you can choose to drive by the Hoover Dam. You can park your car very close to it and have a walk on the Dam. When you're standing on it, you'll have a better view than from the car. You can see better how deep is actually is and you have a great view from the building of the bridge next to it. If you like, there is an information point of the Hoover Dam. I don't think that's free (i didn't go here) but it suppost it won't be that expensive. So if you're in the neighbourhood, just take half an hour to stop here.

They are continuesly working on the dam so always expect construction. Write now they are currently working on making an over pass that goes over the dam. Kind of exciting just to see how they are building it. It is a really beautiful site to see but make sure you hold on tight to anything that might fly away. The wind was crazy and we lost our hat while sitting on the side. If you are traveling with a camper, there is a seperate area you will have to drive through, they will do a search of the camper. New policies due to the events on September 11th 2001. They offer tours and helicopter rides over the area. If you all you want to do is visit, you dont have to pay anything. Just park, which is also free, and walk around and enjoy the site. It is beautiful!