If you know me, you know how I’m NOT a morning person. The alarm sounded at 6 AM so we could see the Dam! Our tour with the Pink Jeep Tours began at 7:15. We traveled out to Hoover Dam
So much history to be learned here. The enginering feats accomplished is pretty amazing and to remember that this occurred 90 years ago.
Turbines
Lake Mead
Memorials and Monuments
Our tour guide explained that only 90 men are listed as officially killed on the job. Although he said hundreds died due to injuries and accidents on the job. If they were carried away in an ambulance or succumbed to their injuries later they were not listed as a death associated with the dam therefore not receiving any benefits from the companies. Because of this, many workers injured knew that if they left the site their family members would not receive any benefits or help from the company, leaving their coworkers to insure it was an official death.
The men that worked on the dam did so for two years straight with no days off. This was during the depression and so many were without jobs and no way to support their familes. Working on the dam, although dangerous and back breaking, paid double what most could find during this time. The men, away from the homes and loved ones adopted a puppy that came up to the work site. He became the Dam Mascot and was cared and loved by all the construction workers. When he was accidently killed they men made him a grave that same day.
Much sweet and tears were put into creating and building the dam. A dam to provide water and power to the West.
Adventures with Cindy 