Mount Rushmore

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Massive sculpture in South Dakota, United States

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota. Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and later by his son Lincoln Borglum, the memorial features 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial covers 1,278.45 acres (2.00 sq mi; 5.17 km²) and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.

History

The idea for the memorial was conceived in 1923 by historian Doane Robinson to promote tourism in South Dakota. After securing funding through federal and private sources, sculptor Gutzon Borglum began work on the project in 1927. The project faced numerous challenges, including funding issues, weather conditions, and the death of Gutzon Borglum in 1941. His son, Lincoln Borglum, oversaw the completion of the project, which was officially declared complete on October 31, 1941.

Design and Construction

The design of Mount Rushmore was intended to represent the first 150 years of American history. Each president was chosen for their role in preserving the Republic and expanding its territory. The construction involved the use of dynamite, followed by the finer details being carved using drills and chisels. Over 400 workers were involved in the project, and despite the dangerous conditions, no fatalities occurred during the construction.

Geology

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills, a region known for its unique geological formations. The granite of Mount Rushmore is resistant to erosion, which makes it an ideal medium for the sculptures. The Black Hills are part of the larger Rocky Mountains range.

Cultural Impact

Mount Rushmore has become an iconic symbol of the United States and is visited by nearly three million people annually. It has been featured in numerous films, books, and other media. The site also holds cultural significance for the Lakota Sioux, who consider the Black Hills to be sacred.

Controversies

The creation of Mount Rushmore has been controversial, particularly among Native American groups. The Black Hills were originally part of the Great Sioux Reservation, and the land was taken from the Lakota Sioux in violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). Efforts to address these grievances have included proposals to add a monument to Native American leaders or to return the land to the Lakota Sioux.

Visitor Information

Mount Rushmore is open year-round and offers various amenities, including a visitor center, museum, and walking trails. The site also hosts special events, such as the annual Independence Day celebration.

Related Pages

• Black Hills
• Gutzon Borglum
• Keystone, South Dakota
• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• Theodore Roosevelt
• Abraham Lincoln
• Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868)