Building the Hoover Dam: Jobs in Hard Times — Reading Comprehension

The Great Depression was a time when many people in the United States lost their jobs. Businesses closed, and families had little money. President Herbert Hoover and later President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to help people work again. They planned large projects to create jobs and improve the country.

One of the biggest projects was building the Hoover Dam. The dam was built on the Colorado River, between Nevada and Arizona. It began in 1931. Thousands of men came from all over the country looking for work.

The men faced tough conditions. The desert was very hot, and the work was hard. Workers used big machines and tools to dig tunnels and pour concrete. One worker said, "We worked in the heat and dust, but we were proud to build something that would last." They lived in a new town called Boulder City. This town was built just for the workers and their families.

The Hoover Dam was finished in 1936. It is made of more concrete than any other dam in America at that time. The dam holds back water from the river to make a huge lake, called Lake Mead. The water helps give drinking water and electricity to millions of people in the Southwest.

The building of the Hoover Dam gave jobs to over 20,000 men when jobs were hard to find. The workers showed bravery by facing danger and heat each day. The dam helped towns grow and brought hope to many families.

Today, Hoover Dam is a symbol of teamwork and strength. Many people visit it to learn about its history and to see how people worked together during hard times.

Interesting Fact: The Hoover Dam is so big that it could fill over 1,000 football fields with concrete!

When did Hoover Dam construction start?

Where is Hoover Dam located?

What river was dammed?

Why was the Hoover Dam built?

How did workers show bravery?

What does Hoover Dam provide?

The dam was finished in 1936. True or false?

What is the meaning of 'conditions'?