The Hoover Dam is one of the most phenomenal structures in modern history. This 1244 feet long, 660 feet thick, and 726 feet high concrete behemoth holds back so much water that it deformed the earth's crust and caused 600 small earthquakes in the decade after its construction.
Over 100 workers died constructing the Hoover Dam — and legend has it, some of them are buried within its concrete facade. Is there anything to these rumors?
An enormous number of deaths
Over 100 people died in the construction of the Hoover Dam. Of those, 96 are identified as official "industrial fatalities", allowing the deceased's family to obtain compensation. Not included in the 96 are individuals who died from from pneumonia, a diagnosis now believed to be a cover for exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide.
