Vegas Myths Dispelled: Official Name Change of Hoover Dam to Boulder Dam was Confirmed
The Hoover Dam, a landmark of engineering prowess, has a fascinating history that includes a name change and subsequent misconceptions.
Originally, the dam was named Boulder Dam, a title that reflected its association with the Boulder Canyon Project Act, which authorized its construction in 1928 [1]. The dam was built between 1931 and 1935 under the name Boulder Dam [2].
However, during the Great Depression, the dam's name was controversially changed to Hoover Dam, acknowledging President Herbert Hoover's efforts in promoting the project [2]. This name change was met with controversy, as the legislation that led to its creation was passed during the Coolidge administration in 1928 [3].
Despite these controversies, the official federal recognition of the name Hoover Dam came in 1947, following House Resolution 140, which affirmed Hoover's active part in creating and financing the dam [4].
Contrary to some beliefs, the dam was never officially renamed back to Boulder Dam after 1947. Instead, the Boulder Dam name was an early official title that was permanently replaced by Hoover Dam after 1947 [2][4].
Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes, who served under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, argued against naming the dam after President Hoover due to the legislation's passage during the Coolidge administration [3]. However, Ickes neglected to mention Hoover's significant role in formulating the Colorado River Compact, without which the dam couldn't have been constructed [5].
The Boulder Dam Hotel, which opened nine months after FDR's presidency and the misinformation campaign began, further contributed to the confusion surrounding the dam's name [6].
In the end, the Hoover Dam's name change reflects historical naming conventions tied to political and regional considerations during the dam's construction and early operation.
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References: [1] Boulder Canyon Project Act, 1928 [2] U.S. Bureau of Reclamation [3] Ickes, Harold, Statement on the Hoover Dam, 1933 [4] House Resolution 140, 1947 [5] Colorado River Compact, 1922 [6] Boulder Dam Hotel, 1934
- The Hoover Dam, initially known as Boulder Dam, was built between 1931 and 1935 as per the Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928.
- The dam's name was later changed to Hoover Dam during the Great Depression, acknowledging President Herbert Hoover's efforts in promoting the project.
- This name change was met with controversy as the legislation that led to its creation was passed during the Coolidge administration.
- Despite the controversies, the federal government recognized the name Hoover Dam in 1947 following House Resolution 140.
- Contrary to myths, the dam was never officially renamed back to Boulder Dam after 1947.
- The Boulder Dam Hotel, which opened in 1934, further contributed to the confusion surrounding the dam's name.
- Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes, who served under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, argued against naming the dam after President Hoover due to the legislation's passage during the Coolidge administration.
- The naming of Hoover Dam reflects historical naming conventions tied to political and regional considerations during the dam's construction and early operation.
