During the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, a unique town emerged to accommodate the influx of workers and their families. Boulder City, located in Nevada, served as a temporary oasis, providing shelter, sustenance, and a sense of community to those involved in this monumental project. However, despite its positive contributions, Boulder City was also characterized by strict rules and regulations, reflecting the prevailing social and cultural norms of the time.
Key Facts
- Boulder City: Boulder City was constructed in 1932 to provide housing for the Hoover Dam workers and their families. It was essentially a government reservation, with large dormitories for single men and cottages for families. The town had strict rules against gambling, drinking, and prostitution.
- Living conditions: Initially, the dam workers and their families had to live in a dry and barren spot called Ragtown. However, as Boulder City neared completion, the living conditions improved. The town had facilities such as dormitories, cottages, and a large mess hall that served 6000 meals a day.
- Sims Ely: Sims Ely, a former newspaper editor and Justice Department employee, was in charge of overseeing the operation of Boulder City. He was known as an “iron-fisted gentleman” and had all legal, moral, and judicial power in the town.
The Genesis of Boulder City
Boulder City was conceived as a response to the dire living conditions faced by Hoover Dam workers and their families. Initially, they were forced to reside in a desolate area known as Ragtown, lacking basic amenities and infrastructure. Recognizing the need for improved living conditions, the government embarked on the construction of Boulder City in 1932.
Boulder City’s Infrastructure and Amenities
Boulder City was designed as a self-contained community, catering to the needs of the dam workers. It featured large dormitories for single men and cottages for families, providing basic yet adequate housing. Additionally, the town had a spacious mess hall capable of serving 6000 meals daily, ensuring that workers received proper nourishment.
Sims Ely’s Iron-Fisted Rule
The operation of Boulder City was overseen by Sims Ely, a former newspaper editor, and Justice Department employee. Ely possessed extensive authority, combining legal, moral, and judicial powers. He was known for his strict enforcement of rules and regulations, earning him the reputation of an “iron-fisted gentleman.”
Boulder City’s Stringent Regulations
Boulder City was governed by a strict set of rules and regulations, reflecting the prevailing social and cultural norms of the time. Gambling, drinking, and prostitution, common vices in nearby Las Vegas, were strictly prohibited within the city limits. These restrictions aimed to maintain order and morality among the dam workers and their families.
Boulder City’s Exclusionary Practices
Despite its efforts to provide a sense of community, Boulder City was not without its flaws. The town practiced exclusionary policies, denying access to certain minority groups. African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics were not permitted to reside within the city gates, creating a divide between these communities and the predominantly white population.
Conclusion
Boulder City served as a temporary oasis for Hoover Dam workers and their families during the construction of the dam. It provided basic housing, sustenance, and a sense of community, alleviating the harsh living conditions of Ragtown. However, the city’s strict rules, iron-fisted leadership, and exclusionary practices reflected the social and cultural norms of the time, leaving a complex legacy that continues to be examined and debated today.
Sources:
- “Building Boulder City | American Experience | Official Site | PBS.” American Experience, WGBH Educational Foundation, 2024, www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/hoover-building-boulder-city/.
- Nix, Elizabeth. “7 Things You Might Not Know About the Hoover Dam.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, 21 Jan. 2024, www.history.com/news/7-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-hoover-dam.
- “Casino Entertains Hoover Dam Workers – Gambling-History.com.” Gambling-History.com, 2024, gambling-history.com/casino-entertains-hoover-dam-workers/.
FAQs
Where did the Hoover Dam workers go to drink and gamble?
The Hoover Dam workers went to Las Vegas, Nevada, to drink and gamble. Las Vegas was located just a short distance from Boulder City, where the workers lived, and it offered a variety of casinos, saloons, and other entertainment options that were prohibited in Boulder City.
Why were gambling and drinking prohibited in Boulder City?
Gambling and drinking were prohibited in Boulder City because the town was essentially a government reservation, and the government wanted to maintain order and morality among the dam workers and their families.
Who oversaw the operation of Boulder City?
Sims Ely, a former newspaper editor and Justice Department employee, oversaw the operation of Boulder City. He had extensive authority, combining legal, moral, and judicial powers, and was known for his strict enforcement of rules and regulations.
What was Boulder City’s population during the construction of the Hoover Dam?
Boulder City’s population during the construction of the Hoover Dam was approximately 5,000 people, consisting of dam workers and their families.
How long did it take to build the Hoover Dam?
The construction of the Hoover Dam took approximately five years, from 1931 to 1936.
How many workers were involved in the construction of the Hoover Dam?
Approximately 21,000 workers were involved in the construction of the Hoover Dam, with an average of 3,500 workers each day.
How tall is the Hoover Dam?
The Hoover Dam is 726.4 feet tall, making it the second-tallest dam in the United States.
How much concrete was used to build the Hoover Dam?
Approximately 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete were used to build the Hoover Dam, its power plant, and auxiliary features.