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American Experience

The High Scalers of Hoover Dam

During the dam's construction, the job of the high scaler was by far the most dangerous.

Aired 01/18/1999 | Rating NR

American Experience

The High Scalers of Hoover Dam

Clip: Season 11 | 2m 33s

During the dam's construction, the job of the high scaler was by far the most dangerous.

People came from across the country to witness the construction of Hoover Dam. One worker's daughter compared the scene to a hill of ants. "It was just fantastic to watch... It was a monument task," she said. During the dam's construction, the job of the high scaler was by far the most dangerous, as well as the most dramatic.

Aired 01/18/1999 | Rating NR

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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Rerouting the Colorado River

Workers moved the Colorado River from the bed it had known for 12 million years. (44s)

Hoover Dam: Moving the Concrete

On June 6, 1933, workers poured the first bucket of concrete that would build the dam. (2m 59s)

The High Scalers of Hoover Dam

During the dam's construction, the job of the high scaler was by far the most dangerous. (2m 33s)

The Government's Plan

Building the 700 foot high dam was only one piece of the puzzle. (1m 6s)

Building Diversion Tunnels

The most dangerous phase of Hoover Dam's construction was building the diversion tunnels. (2m 47s)

Hoover Dam Preview

A preview for Hoover Dam, broadcasting April 17 at 9/8c. (30s)

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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