This dam changed forever the ecology of the Colorado River and people's relationship with it. The dam's construction allowed water storage for irrigation, clean power production and new forms of recreation.
A wall rising 587 feet from the riverbed was erected with almost 10 million tons of mixed concrete and 7 years of herculean effort.
It was the last dam built on the Colorado River. The hydorelectric power produced by its 8 generators is sufficient to meet the complete energy needs of a city of 1.5 million people.
The Colorado has become the major source of life, giving water and power for a vast region, as well as a prime recreation region.