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Boulder City, Nevada: Dog of the Dam

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV
Directions:
Close to the parking deck on the Nevada side of the dam. With the opening of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge, visitors coming from Arizona have to cross over to Nevada, then take old US 93 back to the Dam.
Save to My Sights
Dog of the Dam

Faithful friend of the dam-builders, and dam dog whose name is no longer mentioned. New signage (2022) has rechristened him "The Dog Who Owned a Dam."

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Visitor Tips and News About Dog of the Dam

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Dog of the Dam.

Little Niggy: Dog of the Dam

Nice new plaque installed. No mention anywhere of his name. He's just the dog.

[Nick S., 07/24/2021]
Dam dog: His name shall not be spoken

I was at Hoover Dam a few days ago. They have a nice plaque for the Dog of the Dam, but have removed all reference to the name "Nig" or "Niggy." I asked 7 different ranger dudes/dudettes "What's the doggies name?" I learned they are under strict orders not to say the name, even when asked. Political correctness lives on at Hoover Dam.

[Joel, 01/05/2003]
Nig the Dam Dog - Vague Recollection

Little Niggy the Dam Dog: WOW, finally I have proof of "Nig". My wife and I were at Hoover Dam about 12 years ago when I was drawn to the brass plate on the wall like a fly to a bug zapper. I noticed that there was no mention of the dogs name on the inscription. That's when I saw the corner of the slab on the ground. It was 99% covered with dirt. It took some digging, but there was the name "Nig." I have told the story many times but now have proof of my find. I understand that there is a new guest building where "Nig" was and his memory except for stories is lost, could this be true?

[Mike Moseley, 10/03/1999]
Little Niggy

I was out at Hoover Dam on 3/23/97. It seems that Little Niggy's name was deemed too offensive to appear anyplace. There is a plaque which describes his short but happy life as the Dam mascot, but no mention of his name. The slab under which our fine four-legged friend is presumably interred is sans inscription: not "Little Niggy", not "Nig", not anything. To be honest, I'm not sure that "Nig" is any less offensive than "Little Niggy", but to deprive the beloved mascot of his name?

[Rob, 03/23/1997]

Perhaps you didn't look hard enough. We visited there again last summer, and it said Nig. It's written in welded metal and is hard to find and hard to read. But it's there!


Nearby Offbeat Places

Dam High Scaler MonumentDam High Scaler Monument, Boulder City, NV - < 1 mi.
Memorial to Hoover Dam DeadMemorial to Hoover Dam Dead, Boulder City, NV - < 1 mi.
Walk Through Hoover DamWalk Through Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Extreme Monster Truck Ride, White Hills, AZ - 25 mi.

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