{"id":3396,"date":"2026-07-07T16:38:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T16:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanmovershub.com\/?p=3396"},"modified":"2026-07-07T16:38:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T16:38:53","slug":"deseret-news-archives-hoover-dams-history-on-the-colorado-still-being-written","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanmovershub.com\/?p=3396","title":{"rendered":"Deseret News archives: Hoover Dam\u2019s history on the Colorado still being written"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Editor\u2019s note: This story was originally published on July 7, 2024.<\/i><\/p>\n

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.<\/i><\/p>\n

On July 7, 1930, construction began on Boulder Dam. Today it is known as Hoover Dam.<\/p>\n

Read more July 4 fireworks ignite several fires across Utah<\/a><\/p>\n

The dam, which is responsible for the creation of Lake Mead, is the best known and largest of the dams on the Colorado River. Yet, it was not the first dam constructed on the river.<\/p>\n

In fact, there were three dams constructed before construction ever started on Boulder Dam. The Grand Valley Diversion Dam, built for irrigation in Colorado, was constructed in 1916, while the Price-Stubb Dam was also built in Colorado and for irrigation in 1911.<\/p>\n

However, the very first dam was the Laguna Diversion Dam, built along the Arizona and Colorado border. It was constructed in 1903, and finished in 1905.<\/p>\n

Hoover Dam, on the Arizona-Nevada border, was finished in September 1935 to great fanfare. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was there for dedication. The name was changed to Hoover Dam before it even was complete.<\/p>\n

According to Deseret News archived stories, it was once the tallest dam in the world.<\/p>\n

Read more BYU-Baylor team to faiths: Help us help AI answer questions about your history, doctrine<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHoover Dam is 726.4 feet high, 45 feet thick at the top, 600 feet thick at the bottom and 1,244 feet across the top. Lake Mead, which was created by the dam, is still the country\u2019s largest man-made reservoir. When full, it is 110-115 miles long, with 550 miles of shoreline and a water capacity of about 32 million acre-feet \u2014 or enough to cover the state of Pennsylvania to a depth of one foot,\u201d read one report.<\/p>\n

Its supporters say that Las Vegas and Los Angeles downstream would never have grown without the dam\u2019s creation. For better or worse, urban development, agriculture and recreation would not be the same.<\/p>\n

Its hydroelectric power is vital to residents in the Southwestern U.S. Tourist visits to the dam continue.<\/p>\n

Yet, the Colorado River is facing challenges brought on by growth and climate conditions. Dams on the Colorado have their detractors as well.<\/p>\n

Read more Poll: 4 in 10 Utahns have skipped treatment, cut medication or delayed a doctor visit due to cost<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are stories and photo essays from colleagues from Deseret News archives:<\/p>\n

\u201cHoover Dam: Engineering feat is still worthy of accolades\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West. How much longer will it last?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA portrait of the Colorado River\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill basin states\u2019 plans save operations at Glen Canyon, Hoover dams?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoulder City \u2014 a rock of faith\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn engineering marvel is taking shape near Hoover Dam\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWater works: Dams built the West. Some want them gone\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Latter-day Saint ghost town that keeps emerging from Lake Mead\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
Related<\/div>\n
We were there: See Deseret News front pages from 45 big moments in Utah, world history<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today in history: The big dam helped create energy, distribute water through the Southwest. Some want to get rid of dams on the Colorado River. 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