Boulder City, Nevada is a small city located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Despite its modest size, Boulder City has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. From its humble beginnings as a construction camp to its development into a thriving community, Boulder City has experienced many changes over the years.
Boulder City has unique origins compared to other cities in the United States. The city was actually created as a direct result of the construction of the Hoover Dam. In the early 1930s, the federal government decided to build a massive dam on the Colorado River to provide electricity and prevent flooding in the surrounding areas. This project required a large number of workers, and a location needed to be chosen for their housing.
Construction on Boulder City began in 1931 and was completed in just over a year. The city was designed as a model community, with a strict no-gambling, no-alcohol policy. This was in stark contrast to neighboring Las Vegas, which was known for its wild and reckless lifestyle. Boulder City was intended to be a safe and wholesome place for the workers and their families to live.
The city was designed by urban planner Saco Rienk DeBoer, who combined elements of Spanish Revival and Art Deco styles in his designs. This unique architecture can still be seen today in many of the buildings in Boulder City’s historic downtown district. The city’s layout was also carefully planned, with wide, tree-lined streets and spacious parks.
Boulder City was officially incorporated in 1960, and over the years, it has continued to grow and develop while still maintaining its small-town charm. In the 1950s, the city became a popular location for movie productions due to its unique landscape and proximity to Las Vegas. One famous film shot in Boulder City was “The Misfits,” starring Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable.
Today, Boulder City is a bustling community with a population of around 16,000. It remains a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, which offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The city also hosts annual events such as the Spring Jamboree, Art in the Park, and the Boulder City Beerfest.
For more information on Boulder City, please visit: https://BCNV.org/.