Description
The largest dam in history was begun in 1931 to tame the mighty Colorado River and provide a more even flow of water to farms and residents of the Western states. During the five years it took
to construct the dam, more than 10,000 workers were employed to blast tunnels, pour concrete, sink foundations, and install the giant turbines that would supply electricity for neighboring communities. Trucking in building supplies and food for such a large number of employees was a logistical nightmare and working conditions in the blazing summer sun caused many to walk
off the job. The project cost $49 million ($685 million in today’s dollars). Mark Carlson explains how it was all coordinated.
