Hoover Dam

Desert silt gave the Colorado River its distinctive color, but it was its power and unpredictability that made its reputation. Speeding down from the high Rockies, it could flood without warning, wiping out any farmer foolish enough to settle near its banks.

Built during the Great Depression Hoover Dam was set in an unforgiving landscape whose climate defied habitation, much less backbreaking physical labor. Yet during those hard times and in that desolate place, there rose an extraordinary feat of engineering, one of America's most enduring landmarks.

Notable Children's Book—National Council for the Social Studies "...an epic tale of adventure and danger.... A wonderfully readable, well organized book filled with fascinating detail."—School Library Journal