Hoover Dam is one incredible engineering marvel, ranking high in both the beauty and innovative engineering and construction methods. If you’ll pass it during your next road trip, plan to stop here and spot some of the cool things hidden at the dam.
1. A World War II guard post hiding in plain sight.
One of my favorite secrets about the dam is this pillbox, an armed guard post established on a ledge near the Hoover Dam shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941. The outpost was constructed of concrete but camouflaged with local rocks and was active for approximately one year in anticipation of a mainland attack from Japanese or German forces. The former guard post is visible from the Hoover Dam Lookout and parking areas, so scan the area a little more carefully the next time you visit.
2. A memorial and burial spot dedicated to the dam’s only mascot.
It’s always interesting to find out how animals played a role in historical events, whether they played an active role or just tagged along to eventually be adopted by a soldier. One such case is a scruffy black puppy who considered the dam home. He patrolled the dam and kept workers company for several years until he was accidentally run over by a truck at the dam in 1941.
3. The nation’s longest and second highest bridge that you can cross on foot...if you dare.
The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that spans the Colorado River and is actually the widest concrete arch on this side of the world. It sits 900 feet over the rushing river waters, making it the second highest bridge in the country and one windy walk when you cross it on foot.
4. Some of the construction debris was reused for road installation.
Construction crews were required to utilize some of the debris from building the dam and it’s actually hiding in plain sight. The dirt that sits under the two-lane road and hairpin turns is composed of this debris.
5. The design of the dam creates what looks to be a gravity-defying effect for things that may fall over the edge.
Depending on the perspective you’re looking from, it can be difficult to see the unique sloping of the dam as it curves and hugs the canyon walls. This curvature not only helps to keep the reservoir behind it contained but it also causes a strong updraft so that air flows vertically, causing water or loose trash to seem to shoot straight up in the air. We don’t recommend trying this experiment for yourself, instead watch a short video about the phenomenon in one of our previous articles.
Those were pretty cool, don’t you think? What are some other hidden gems you’ve found in popular attractions around Arizona?
If you want to check out more secret finds around the state, read 9 Hidden Attractions Locals Keep To Themselves In Arizona.
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