Boulder City in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
America's Finest
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2022
1. America's Finest Marker
Mike O'Callaghan lost a leg in combat but is better known for the battles he fought in the political arena.
They were good citizenstwo of America's finest.
Donal Neil Mike O'Callaghan (1929-2004)
Mike O'Callaghan grew up poor and joined the Marines in 1946 at the age of 16. He ended his hitch as a sergeant, worked for a while in construction, then enlisted in the Air Force. Well on his way to Officer's Candidate School, he took a demotion to private so he could transfer to the Army to fight in the Korean War.
He came home a decorated hero.
O'Callaghan earned a college degree and became a history teacher and boxing coach in Henderson, where he founded the local boys' club and worked with blind kids. Active in politics, he was appointed to both state and federal jobs before being elected Governor of Nevada in 1970.
O'Callaghan was a champion of the common man and a passionate advocate for the disadvantaged. He pushed through an open-housing law, created a consumer affairs office, increased education funding, and fought for the Equal Rights Amendment. He left office after his second term and was a founding editor of the Las Vegas Sun until he died in 2004. He is remembered by his staff as being tough but fair, his right hand ready for a handshake, the other for a left hook.
Patrick Daniel "Pat" Tillman (1976-2004)
Pat Tillman grew up in California and attended Arizona State University on a football scholarship. He was named PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 and graduated early with numerous academic honors.
Tillman was drafted by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals in 1998. They moved him to the safety position, where he excelled. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Tillman turned down a contract offer of more than a million dollars a
this page online
Tillman died in combat in April 2004.
Despite the added tragedy of losing his life by friendly fire during a battle in Afghanistan, Tillman's service and dedication to his country continue to inspire generations.
The Memorial Bridge at Hoover Dam is just one of many tributes to a talented athlete turned Army Ranger who sacrificed all in the line of duty.
Both men were awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for their military service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Patriots & Patriotism • War, 2nd Iraq • War, Korean. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.
Location. 36° 0.885′ N, 114° 44.694′ W. Marker is in Boulder City, Nevada, in Clark County. It is on Route 93 at milepost 0. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boulder City NV 89005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Nevada’s Colorado River Valley, in the Mojave Desert, and in Greater Las Vegas.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2022
2. Mike O'Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Markers
This historical marker is one of several historic and civil engineering markers placed along the plaza that leads to the Mike O'Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge on the Nevada side.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Find Solid Ground with Surveys & Tests (a few steps from this marker); Get Good Footing with Anchors & Foundations (within shouting distance of this marker); Lay the Path with Cut & Fill (within shouting distance of this marker); Choose the Site for Crossing & Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Span The Gap with Cables 7 Arch (within shouting distance of this marker); Protecting the Place of Nature & History (within shouting distance of this marker); Clear the Way of Switchyard & Towers (within shouting distance of this marker); Raise the Road on Columns & Deck (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boulder City.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2022
3. Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman Memorial
A second marker inscribed on the bridge itself also honors Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 29, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
