In the June edition of US-Airways Magazine there is a “Must Read” feature that gives readers an introduction to Michael Hiltzik’s Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century. After reading the preview I was hooked; I had to read Colossus. Previously, I had been to Hoover Dam only once; it was a quick stop on a Vegas to Grand Canyon West tour. (Click here for a reivew of that trip.)
Prior to reading this book, I really didn’t understand the significance of the Hoover Dam. I knew it was something special, but I was rather ignorant to what inspired its creation, and what purposes it serves. Needless to say, Colossus taught me a lot.
Two vital utilities, water and electricity, are supplied all throughout the American West and Southwest by the Dam’s life giving resources. Without it, the West would probably still be a land of nothing but cowboys, outlaws, and tumbleweeds.
Hiltzik’s 400+ page account begins with early explorations of the lower Colorado River basin. There were decades of failed prospecting and near catastrophes when settlers, as early as the 19th century, attempted to harness the mighty Colorado. Decades of progress eventually led to the federal government seeing the potential of the Colorado. Politics, business, geology, and more came together to ultimately inspire this massive public works project known as Hoover Dam. Hiltzik introduces so many names—senators, laborers, politicians—that it’s a challenge to keep track of them all, and thus the story can get confusing at times. Reading slowly and carefully is essential. Photos of some of the main proponents are found at the end of the book.
After reading Colossus, you’re sure to come away with a clearer view of what Hoover Dam is, why it was built, and how its construction has shaped the modern-day metropolises like Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The cruel working conditions imposed on dam workers (just grateful to have a job during the Great Depression) and countless number of lives lost in building the dam is sure to invoke a deep sense of respect and pathos in anyone who reads Colossus. You’ll also learn of how Boulder City, Nevada came to be, today a sleepy little desert town that serves as gateway to the Dam and its reservoir, Lake Mead. On the political side, I learned why my grandmother calls it the Boulder Dam, and how the proper name came to be known as Hoover Dam.
From a public relations standpoint, Colossus offers a great study in labor union organization, free publicity, lobbying, and spin doctoring—all through the lens of a 1930s-era, pre-internet world.
Finally, Colossus demonstrates how the enormous public financing of Hoover Dam and President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal reshaped the federal government into the legislating body that it is today. (Think: spending happy.) Readers will also come away with a renewed sense of patriotism as they realize that the Hoover Dam is the epitome of American ingenuity, defense, resourcefulness, and engineering.
The book concludes by putting the spotlight on contemporary issues faced at the Dam, such as Lake Mead’s dwindling water levels, construction integrity issues, and environmental impact. Hiltzik poses a great question for thought: If the project were new today, could Hoover Dam be built?
ABOUT THAT VISIT
Like I stated earlier, this book inspired a visit to Hoover Dam. This past week I had vacation time, and being a self-proclaimed airline brat*, I headed west to Las Vegas. To write about my experience at the Hoover Dam, and the trip itself, could easily be blog posts in and of themselves. But after concluding Colossus roughly somewhere over New Mexico, I went to Hoover Dam with a new understanding of what this engineering marvel represents to our nation and the American Southwest. Touring the interior tunnels (at least as much as Homeland Security allows tourists to see!) and viewing firsthand the architecture, art work, power generators, and other items that make Hoover Dam the unique monolith that it is was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An informed tourist, I had plenty of questions for the tour guides. Seeing Hoover Dam up close is an educational experience sure to evoke a sense of patriotism, respect, and marvel unlike any other.
GET YOUR OWN
Colossus is available as both a hard copy and e-book. Buffalo & Erie County Library has a few copies of the hardcover available for check out. At over 500 pages it’s a bit lengthy, but nearly 100 of those pages are taken up by citations and notes (Hiltzik definitely did his research!).
If you go to Hoover Dam, don’t be cheap and do the $7.00 power-plant-only tour. The whole dam tour (the “dam” clichés get old real fast!) is well worth the $30.00 and lets you descend into the interior tunnels of the Dam and even stand on the edge of a ventilation shaft high up on the Dam’s wall (and totally freak out as you stare at the outlet pipes hundreds of feet below!). The visitor’s center and museum is very hands-on and informative as well. As for visiting in July, well, expect temperatures to easily soar to 110+ degrees Fahrenheit, as they did the day of my visit. How those workers ever labored year round beats me.
* An airline brat is someone who has one or more relatives employed by a major airline, affording them unprecedented travel opportunities
A three shot composit of Hoover Dam stitched together. I took this from the visitor's center observation deck.
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