The Man Behind the Mountain
The idea for Mount Rushmore came from a historian named Doane Robinson, who wanted to create a massive carving to attract tourists to South Dakota. He contacted Gutzon Borglum, a talented sculptor who had experience carving large works of art. Borglum chose the location on Mount Rushmore because the granite was strong and the mountain faced southeast, which meant it would get sunlight for most of the day. Borglum also decided which presidents would be carved, picking leaders who represented the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation. He worked on the project from 1927 until his death in March 1941, and his son Lincoln Borglum finished the final details.
How It Was Built
Construction on Mount Rushmore began on October 4, 1927, and took about 14 years to complete. Around 400 workers helped build the memorial, using dynamite to blast away large sections of rock and then carefully carving the details with jackhammers and chisels. Workers hung from the mountainside in harnesses and sat in seats attached to cables, working high above the ground in all kinds of weather. Despite the dangerous conditions, no workers died during the construction of the memorial. The total cost of the project was about $989,992, which would be worth millions of dollars today.
The Four Presidents
George Washington was chosen because he was the first president and led the country to independence. Thomas Jefferson was selected for writing the Declaration of Independence and doubling the size of the nation through the Louisiana Purchase. Abraham Lincoln earned his place for preserving the Union during the Civil War and ending slavery. Theodore Roosevelt was included for his role in building the Panama Canal and protecting natural lands by creating national parks and forests.
The Lakota Sioux Connection
The Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore is located, are sacred land to the Lakota Sioux people, who call them “Paha Sapa.” The United States government took the Black Hills from the Lakota in 1877, breaking the Treaty of Fort Laramie that had promised the land to them. Many Native Americans view Mount Rushmore as a symbol of broken promises and the loss of their homeland. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the land had been taken illegally and offered payment, but the Lakota have refused the money because they want the land returned. A nearby monument called the Crazy Horse Memorial is being carved to honor the Lakota leader and Native American heritage.
Visiting Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is located near the town of Keystone, South Dakota, and is open to visitors year-round. The Avenue of Flags lines the walkway to the memorial, displaying flags from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Visitors can walk along the Presidential Trail, a half-mile path that brings them closer to the base of the mountain for better views of the carvings. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and the Sculptor’s Studio offer exhibits about the history and construction of the memorial. At night during the summer, the memorial is lit up during a special ceremony that includes a film and the national anthem.
A Hall of Records
Behind the carved faces of Mount Rushmore, there is a secret chamber called the Hall of Records. Gutzon Borglum originally planned for this room to hold important American documents and artifacts, but it was never finished during his lifetime. In 1998, a repository was finally placed inside the chamber containing porcelain panels with the text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The chamber is carved 70 feet into the rock behind Abraham Lincoln’s head and is not open to the public. This hidden vault was designed to help future generations understand why Mount Rushmore was created.
Mount Rushmore Today
Mount Rushmore remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States and American democracy. The National Park Service works to preserve and maintain the memorial, monitoring the granite for cracks and water damage. The memorial has appeared in countless movies, television shows, and works of art, making it an icon of American culture. Scientists and engineers regularly inspect the sculpture to make sure it stays in good condition for future generations. Mount Rushmore continues to spark important conversations about American history, presidential leadership, and the rights of Native American peoples.
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