The Hoover Dam, built during the Great Depression, is one of the nation’s biggest infrastructure achievements.
WASHINGTON — A massive 300-foot-wide, 150-foot-tall American flag has been draped over the Hoover Dam in Nevada as part of the celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.
The installation went up on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country, and will light up each night until July 4. The display uses more than 550 automated LED lights and is completely powered by the dam’s hydroelectricity.
According to officials, the American flag weighs about 2,000 pounds and took five days of sewing preparation. It was previously used for football games by the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Nevada is proud to help tell the story of innovation, exploration, and progress that shapes our nation, from Hoover Dam to our growing technology and infrastructure sectors to the world-class tourism industry,” Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a news release. “Nevada has always played an important role in American history. For generations, Hoover Dam has stood as one of the greatest engineering achievements in American history. It represents determination, ingenuity, hard work, and the willingness of Americans to take on challenges that once seemed impossible.”
The Hoover Dam, built during the Great Depression, is one of the nation’s biggest infrastructure achievements, helping generate hydroelectricity to 1.3 million people in Nevada, Arizona and California. More than 21,000 men worked on the dam that now stands 726 feet tall and spans 1,244 feet across the top.
The dam was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Public Works Administration. At the time of its completion, it was considered the tallest dam in the world.
“Hoover Dam has always stood for something bigger than just infrastructure alone. Nearly a century ago, thousands of workers came to this canyon during one of the most difficult chapters in American history to build something extraordinary. And in the process, they helped create Boulder City, which laid the groundwork for modern Las Vegas,” Steve Hill, the President and CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Hoover Dam continues to serve millions of people across the Southwest, and as we begin the final road to America 250 in the summer travel season, we’re going to celebrate in a memorable way.”