Reclamation in the Arid West: Building Boulder Dam (1936)

This 1936 film, produced by the Department of the Interior, documents the monumental construction of Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) and its transformative impact on the arid West. Witness the Colorado River, electric power transmission lines, and the bustling activity of Boulder City as materials, fuel, and workers arrive by train. The film showcases close-ups of cable cars dumping cement into the coffer dam, the intricate power lines and control switches, and the completed dam in all its grandeur. It also highlights the farms, homes, and orchards made possible by the dam's water and electricity, illustrating how this engineering marvel reshaped the region. A testament to human ingenuity and determination, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the greatest infrastructure projects of the 20th century. Subscribe to Archival Moments for more rare historical content and explore the past with us!