Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a patriotic landmark located in South Dakota’s the Black Hills. The location is approximately 30 miles from Rapid City. The majestic statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln tell the tale of the nation’s creation, growth, development, and preservation. From the history of the first inhabitants to the variety of contemporary America, Mount Rushmore immerses visitors in the rich legacy all American share.
In addition, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a mountain sculpture by Gutzon Borglum. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt represent 150 years of American history through their likenesses. It is expressing freedom and hope for people of all cultures and backgrounds. Also, many people visit it to behold its majestic beauty and to learn about the origin, expansion, development, and preservation of the United States.
Approximately three million tourists from around the world visit Mount Rushmore each year to view this patriotic landmark. Today, the mountain’s majesty resonates with every visitor. The four “great faces” of the presidents stand 5,725 feet above sea level.
Furthermore, the mountain stands at an elevation of 1,725 feet (5,725 feet). Its name came from the New York attorney Charles E. Rushmore in 1885. The 2 square miles (5 square kilometers) memorial was designated in 1925 and dedicated in 1927. In 1933, the National Park Service (NPS) of the United States assumed administration of the site.
Also, on-site amenities include the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum, the Presidential Trail, the Youth Exploration Area, the Sculptor’s Studio, a parking garage with RV parking, pet exercise areas, the Carvers Café, the Memorial Ice Cream Shop, the Gift Shop, and the Mount Rushmore Bookstores.
History of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The concept of constructing a monumental sculpture in the Black Hills was first proposed in 1923 by South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson. He envisioned depicting famous Native American and American Old West figures on a needle-like rock formation in Custer State Park. However, Gutzon Borglum rejected the site because the rock was eroded and unstable. Gutzon Borglum is the American sculptor who was hired to design and execute the project. Later on, he chose Mount Rushmore because of its solid granite rock face.
In addition, Gutzon Borglum was the one who suggested that the four heads in the sculpture represent the first 150 years of the United States. Thus, they come up with the four former presidents namely, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The work on the memorial began in October 1927 and continued intermittently for the next 14 years. Progress was hindered by periodic funding shortages, design issues, and Borglum’s death in March 1941. Gutzon Borglum died several months before the sculpture was completed.
In October 1941, Lincoln, Borglum’s son completed the final work on the project. Hundred of workers over the course of six and a half years shaped the massive stone sculpture. They used dynamite, jackhammers, chisels, and drills. Borglum’s technique consisted of using explosives to remove a large portion of the rock, drilling a large number of closely-spaced holes, and then chipping away the remaining rock until the surface was smooth. Piled at the memorial base were approximately 450,000 tons of rocks. The federal government covered the majority of the nearly $1 million costs. Meanwhile, private donations covered the remainder of the cost. The dedication ceremonies for Washington’s head occurred in 1930, Jefferson’s in 1936, Lincoln’s in 1937, and Roosevelt’s in 1939.
Why the four presidents?
Each president represents the rich and diverse 150 years of the United States. First, George Washington represents the country’s foundation. He is the one who led the colonists in the American Revolutionary War to win independence from Great Britain. In addition, he was the father of the new country and laid the foundation of American democracy. He is the most prominent figure on the mountain and represents the birth of the United States.
Thomas Jefferson represents the expansion of the United States across the continent. He is the 3rd president of Unites States. In addition, he is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a document that serves as a model for democracies worldwide. In 1803 he also purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the United States by adding all or a portion of fifteen states.
Theodore Roosevelt symbolizes the growth of the United States domestically and globally. He is the 26th President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt was born in 1858 and passed away in 1919. Also, he provided leadership as the United States entered the 20th century experiencing rapid economic growth. He played a crucial role in negotiating the construction of the Panama Canal, which connected the east and west. “Trust buster” is one of his common names. It is because of his efforts to end large corporate monopolies and protect the rights of the average worker.
Abraham Lincoln symbolized the preservation of the United States. He is the 16th President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 and died in 1865. Furthermore, Lincoln maintained national unity during the nation’s greatest trial, the Civil War. Lincoln believed that the preservation of the union was his most sacred duty. In addition, he was a firm believer in abolishing slavery.
The present Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore quickly became one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States. The memorial is now one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the most visited National Park Service properties. In addition, components of the site’s infrastructure, including accessibility and visitor facilities and services, have been enhanced and expanded over time to accommodate the two million or more annual visitors.
Tourists and locals visit the place to show their compassion for their history and culture. Many people around the world also visit the place to see this majestic creation of art. Thus, over the years, Mount Rushmore National Memorial has earned it spot as a destination for all people around the world.