Local History
Boulder City and the Hoover Dam
Boulder City was originally founded by the Bureau of Reclamation as housing for workers who were building Boulder Dam. Construction on the dam began in 1931 and was completed in 1935, over two years ahead of schedule. In 1947, the dam’s name was changed to the Hoover Dam, thus honoring President Herbert Hoover. The Bureau did not relinquish control of the city until 1958. Boulder City was officially incorporated on January 4, 1960.
Vintage postcard of the dam, circa 1935
Boulder City lies Southeast of Las Vegas – 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and a mere two miles from the Hoover Dam. The city has a total area of 200 square miles, yet a population of just over 15,000. Boulder city maintains strict controls on growth and only issues 120 building permits per year.
Boulder Theatre
The 400-seat Boulder Theatre was once Boulder City’s movie house. Built in 1931, for years it was the only air-conditioned building in the area. In 1999, actor/musician Desi Arnaz Jr. and his wife Amy purchased the theatre and have since restored the building to its former glory.
Boulder Theatre, 1932
Boulder Theatre, 1942
Boulder Theatre, 2006
Boulder Dam Hotel
The Boulder Dam Hotel was built in 1933 to accommodate visiting government and corporate project managers supervising the building of Hoover Dam. The hotel quickly gained a worldwide reputation as a steady flow of dignitaries and celebrities checked in. Famous guests have included Bette Davis, Will Rogers, Boris Karloff, James Cagney, Henry Fonda, and Howard Hughes. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places on 1982.
Rare snowfall with the Boulder Theatre foreground left
and the Boulder Dam Hotel background center, 1938
