Our History

The Legacy of Boulder City

• On December 21, 1928, President Calvin Coolidge signed The Boulder Canyon Project Act, authorizing construction of the Hoover Dam—one of the nation’s most iconic infrastructure projects—and the establishment of Boulder City to house the managers and construction workers building it.
• On March 11, 1931, the construction contract for the dam was awarded to Six Companies, Inc., a consortium formed by six major construction firms to handle the immense scale of the project.
• Built as the “Boulder Canyon Project Federal Reservation”, this model community was envisioned by Saco Rienk DeBoer, a Dutch landscape architect and city planner.
• DeBoer designed the settlement based on New Deal-era planning principles, incorporating a a cohesive layout, distinct architecture, planned neighborhoods, green spaces, and civic buildings that reflected the era’s ideals—many of which continue to define the city’s unique character today.
• The townsite was developed on federally owned land, with title retained by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and federal rangers assigned to oversee the community.
• In 1931, the BOR constructed housing for its department heads, engineers, and employees, while Six Companies, Inc. built residences for its executives and laborers. That same year, City Manager Sims Ely began issuing permits for commercial buildings, and by 1932, the view north on Nevada Way toward the BOR Administration Building appeared much as it does today. 
• The Hoover Dam itself was completed in 1936, an impressive 22 months ahead of schedule, due in large part to the leadership of Frank T. Crowe, one of the most accomplished construction engineers in BOR history.
• When the dam was completed, the Los Angeles Bureau of Power and Light (now the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) and California Edison Company were contracted to distribute power to southern Nevada and southern California.
• For nearly three decades, Boulder City remained under federal jurisdiction until Congress passed the Boulder City Act of 1958, authorizing the BOR to transfer approximately 33 square miles of land to the newly established city government, while retaining only the facilities necessary for the operation and maintenance of the dam. Boulder City was incorporated in January 1960.
• During the 1960s and 1970s, the community gradually grew and developed a unique identity, balancing its role as a gateway to the dam with its small-town charm. Local leaders and residents worked to preserve the city’s historic roots while embracing modern amenities, laying the groundwork for future preservation efforts.
• By the 1980s and 1990s, historic preservation became a focused priority, with efforts aimed at safeguarding the city’s historic neighborhoods and revitalizing its downtown district. These initiatives not only enhanced the city’s aesthetic appeal, but also strengthened its sense of community. 
• Today, Boulder City’s rich heritage and distinctive architecture serve as a cornerstone of its identity, attracting visitors intrigued by Southern Nevada’s history and promoting thoughtful development that honors its historic character.