The “Eighth Wonder of the World” title has been bestowed on countless entities, from the Great Wall of China to Andre the Giant. But no matter what you call it, Washington’s Grand Coulee Dam is truly a wonder. It’s 550 feet tall, just short of a mile long, and one of the largest concrete structures in the world. Just how much concrete is contained therein? 12 million cubic yards, more than 3 times as much as the Hoover Dam and enough to build a highway from Seattle to Miami.
You’ve been listening to Grand Coulee Dam, written and recorded by Woody Guthrie in 1941. It’s a propaganda song, really, paid for by the Bonneville Power Administration. The BPA manages the Bonneville Dam system, and commissioned the tune to garner support for hydroelectric regulation.
Guthrie was paid only $10 to write the song, but considered it an honor. Find out why by clicking right here.