25 Facts About Mount Rushmore

The Creation of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is an iconic American landmark. It features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into granite. Here are some fascinating facts about this monumental sculpture.

1. Mount Rushmore was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Borglum envisioned the monument as a way to promote tourism in South Dakota.

2. Construction began in 1927 and took 14 years to complete. The project was finished in 1941, just before the U.S. entered World War II.

3. The monument features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These presidents were chosen to represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation.

4. Over 400 workers helped carve the monument. Despite the dangerous conditions, no one died during the construction.

5. Dynamite was used to remove large amounts of rock. About 90% of the mountain was carved using explosives.

The Faces on Mount Rushmore

Each president's face on Mount Rushmore has its own unique story and significance. Let's delve into some interesting details about these famous faces.

6. George Washington's face was the first to be completed. His face was unveiled in 1934.

7. Thomas Jefferson's face was originally planned to be on Washington's right. However, the rock was unsuitable, so it was moved to Washington's left.

8. Theodore Roosevelt's glasses were carved using a special technique. The glasses are depicted as a rim and bridge, giving the illusion of lenses.

9. Abraham Lincoln's face was the last to be completed. His face was finished in 1939.

10. Each face is about 60 feet tall. That's roughly the height of a six-story building.

Interesting Facts About the Construction

The construction of Mount Rushmore involved innovative techniques and faced numerous challenges. Here are some intriguing facts about how this colossal monument was built.

11. Workers used a process called "honeycombing" to remove rock. This involved drilling holes close together and then removing the rock between them.

12. A pointing machine was used to ensure accuracy. This device helped transfer the measurements from a model to the mountain.

13. The project cost nearly $1 million. This was a significant amount of money during the Great Depression.

14. Funding came from both federal and private sources. The federal government provided most of the funds.

15. The original plan included carvings down to the presidents' waists. However, lack of funding and the onset of World War II halted further work.

The Legacy of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American history and culture. Its legacy continues to inspire and attract millions of visitors each year.

16. Mount Rushmore attracts over 2 million visitors annually. People from all over the world come to see this iconic monument.

17. The site is managed by the National Park Service. They ensure its preservation and provide educational programs for visitors.

18. Mount Rushmore has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. It has been featured in movies like "North by Northwest" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets."

19. The monument is sometimes called the "Shrine of Democracy." It represents the ideals of freedom and democracy.

20. A hidden chamber exists behind Lincoln's head. Borglum intended it to be a Hall of Records, but it was never completed.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond its historical significance, Mount Rushmore has some fun and lesser-known facts that add to its allure.

21. The mountain was named after Charles E. Rushmore. He was a New York lawyer who visited the area in 1885.

22. The original idea was to carve Western heroes. Borglum convinced the planners to choose presidents instead.

23. Mount Rushmore is made of granite. This durable rock ensures the monument's longevity.

24. The site was sacred to the Lakota Sioux. They called it "Six Grandfathers" before it became Mount Rushmore.

25. The monument's completion was celebrated with a grand ceremony. President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the dedication in 1936.

The Last Word on Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore isn't just a massive sculpture; it's a symbol of American history and culture. From its creation by Gutzon Borglum to the hidden Hall of Records, every detail tells a story. The monument honors four influential presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Each face carved into the granite represents a different aspect of the nation's development.

The site attracts millions of visitors each year, offering not just a glimpse into the past but also breathtaking views of the Black Hills. Whether you're fascinated by its engineering marvels or the rich history it encapsulates, Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to human ingenuity and national pride. Next time you see a picture of this iconic landmark, you'll know there's more to it than meets the eye.