History Daily The First Concrete is Poured at the Hoover Dam
Jun 6, 2025
Explore the riveting journey of surveyor John Gregory Tierney, whose search for the Hoover Dam's location ended tragically. Discover the struggles of workers during the Great Depression as they fought for better conditions. Delve into the engineering feats of diverting the Colorado River and the creation of Boulder City. Hear President Roosevelt's inspiring speech celebrating the dam's significance. Finally, reflect on the bittersweet legacy of the dam, representing both human ingenuity and the sacrifices made by those who built it.
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Surveyor John Tierney's Tragic Death
- John Gregory Tierney drowned in the Colorado River while surveying for the Hoover Dam site.
- His body was never found, marking the start of dangers facing workers on this project.
Early Labor Strike Highlights Risks
- A wage cut announcement sparked a week-long strike despite Great Depression job scarcity.
- Unsafe conditions and low pay led workers to halt progress, shocking project leaders.
Innovative Concrete Pouring Methods
- Pouring such vast concrete sets unprecedented cooling challenges, requiring innovative mold blocks and cooling pipes.
- The dam combines arch and gravity designs for strength, pioneering a new engineering approach.
