Interesting Facts About Mt. Rushmore

Introduction:

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Carved into the granite face of the mountain are the larger-than-life faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. While most people are familiar with the basic history of Mount Rushmore, there are many interesting facts that you may not know. In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about Mount Rushmore that will surprise and delight you.

Fact 1: The Idea Behind Mount Rushmore

The idea for Mount Rushmore was conceived by Doane Robinson, a South Dakota historian, who wanted to create a monument that would attract tourists to the state. He envisioned a sculpture that would depict famous figures from American history carved into the Black Hills.

Fact 2: The Sculptor Behind the Monument

The project was entrusted to sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who began work on Mount Rushmore in 1927. Borglum and his team of workers spent 14 years carving the faces of the presidents into the granite rock.

Fact 3: The Original Design

Originally, Mount Rushmore was intended to feature the busts of the four presidents down to their waists. However, due to lack of funding and the onset of World War II, the project was scaled back to only include the heads of the presidents.

Fact 4: The Presidents Chosen

The four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore were chosen by Borglum for their roles in shaping American history. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson represent the country’s founding fathers, while Theodore Roosevelt symbolizes the nation’s growth and development. Abraham Lincoln was chosen for his leadership during the Civil War and his role in abolishing slavery.

Fact 5: Mount Rushmore’s Connection to Native Americans

The Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore is located, are considered sacred land by several Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux. The construction of the monument on this land has been a point of controversy and has led to ongoing protests and legal battles.

Fact 6: Carving Process

To carve the faces of the presidents into the granite rock, workers used dynamite to blast away excess rock and then used jackhammers and chisels to fine-tune the details. Each face on Mount Rushmore is approximately 60 feet tall.

Fact 7: Hidden Room

Behind Abraham Lincoln’s head on Mount Rushmore, there is a hidden room that was intended to hold important documents to be stored for future generations. The room was never completed, but it remains one of the lesser-known secrets of the monument.

Fact 8: Delayed Funding

Work on Mount Rushmore was halted several times due to lack of funding. At one point, the project received federal funding from President Calvin Coolidge, who was a proponent of the monument, but the money was not enough to complete the sculpture as originally planned.

Fact 9: Nighttime Illumination

Mount Rushmore is illuminated by a lighting ceremony held every evening during the summer months. The faces of the presidents are bathed in light, creating a stunning visual display that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Fact 10: Weathering and Maintenance

The faces of the presidents on Mount Rushmore are subjected to harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and strong winds. To prevent erosion and maintain the monument, the faces are periodically treated with a special coating to protect them from the elements.

Fact 11: Visitor Center

Mount Rushmore features a visitor center that offers exhibits, ranger-led programs, and a museum showcasing the history of the monument. Visitors can also explore hiking trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Black Hills.

Fact 12: Presidential Trail

The Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore allows visitors to get up close to the faces of the presidents. The trail winds its way around the base of the monument, providing different vantage points and photo opportunities of the iconic sculpture.

Fact 13: Mount Rushmore’s Influence

Mount Rushmore has inspired other iconic landmarks around the world, including Crazy Horse Memorial, which is also located in the Black Hills and is dedicated to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The project was started by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in the 1940s and is still under construction today.

Fact 14: Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore was designated a national memorial in 1925 and is managed by the National Park Service. The site attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

Fact 15: Cultural Significance

Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American democracy and patriotism. The monument represents the ideals and values of the country and serves as a reminder of the great leaders who helped shape America into the nation it is today.

Conclusion

Mount Rushmore is not just a monument carved into the side of a mountain; it is a testament to the spirit of innovation and determination that defines America. The 15 facts presented in this article provide a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Mount Rushmore, making it clear that this iconic landmark is much more than meets the eye.