Bruno Pugh
Mt. Rushmore is an iconic American landmark, but there’s more to this colossal monument than meets the eye! Carved into the granite face of South Dakota’s Black Hills, the memorial is a tribute to four of America’s greatest presidents. Here are some lesser-known details about Mt. Rushmore that will completely change how you view this iconic monument.
It Took Over a Decade to Complete
The massive project began in 1927 and took 14 years to finish. Due to funding problems, bad weather, and the sheer complexity of carving faces into a mountain, the final touches weren’t made until 1941, just before Gutzon Borglum’s death.
The Original Design Was Much Larger
The original vision for Mt. Rushmore was far more ambitious than just the presidential heads. Borglum planned to carve their upper bodies and an “Entablature” featuring a brief history of the U.S. However, the project was scaled back due to funding issues and concerns about visibility.
Dynamite Was the Main Tool
Believe it or not, about 90% of Mt. Rushmore was carved using dynamite! When chisels and jackhammers proved too slow, workers turned to explosives in October 1927. Skilled “powder monkeys” placed dynamite in carefully drilled holes, precisely blasting away the granite. After the larger sections were removed, fine details were carved by hand.
It Honors Four Presidents for Specific Reasons
Each of the four presidents on Mt. Rushmore was selected to symbolize pivotal themes in American history: George Washington represents the nation’s founding, Thomas Jefferson symbolizes expansion through the Louisiana Purchase, Abraham Lincoln stands for preservation during the Civil War, and Theodore Roosevelt signifies the nation’s development and progress.
There’s a Hidden Hall Behind the Faces
Hidden behind Lincoln’s head is the Hall of Records, a secret chamber originally designed to hold America’s historical treasures. Borglum planned a grand room with mosaics, busts, and documents, but funding ran out. Today, it houses a time capsule with panels detailing the monument’s creation and its significance for future generations.
The Sculptor’s Dream Went Unfinished
Gutzon Borglum, the visionary behind Mt. Rushmore, was known for his volatile temper and frequent staff firings. Despite these challenges, his dedication drove the project forward. He died in March 1941, just before completion. His son, Lincoln, finished the monument amid funding and WWII delays.
The Faces Are 60 Feet Tall
Each of the four presidential faces measures a whopping 60 feet in height! To put that into perspective, just Washington’s nose is 21 feet long, and the eyes are about 11 feet wide each. While they appear monumental in photos, they’re relatively small compared to other landmarks.
Over 400 Workers Helped Create It
Creating this colossal monument required over 400 workers using dangerous equipment and working at heights exceeding 500 feet. Unfortunately, many of them later suffered from silicosis, a lung disease induced by inhaling silica dust. Despite this, there were no fatal accidents during construction.
The Project Wasn’t Always Popular
Not everyone embraced the idea of carving faces into Mt. Rushmore. Many Native American groups, especially the Lakota Sioux, viewed it as a desecration of their sacred land, which was historically significant to them. This opposition remains a point of contention and a symbol of ongoing struggles for indigenous rights and respect.
It Was Supposed to Be a Tourist Attraction
The original idea behind Mt. Rushmore was to boost tourism in South Dakota. The state historian, Doane Robinson, pitched the idea to bring visitors to the Black Hills, and it worked! Today, the monument attracts over two million visitors annually.
The Mountain Was Chosen for Its Stability
Why carve into Mt. Rushmore? The mountain was chosen not only for its stunning location but also for its hard granite, which was ideal for sculpting. The stable rock would ensure that the faces stood the test of time. The site’s elevation also provided a dramatic backdrop that highlighted the monument.
It’s Slowly Eroding
Even though it’s made from durable granite, Mt. Rushmore is still subject to natural erosion. The monument wears down at about one inch every 10,000 years, so it’s not in danger of disappearing anytime soon! Efforts to preserve and maintain it ensure its continued prominence for future generations.
There’s an Annual Presidential Walk
Every Fourth of July, visitors can join the special Presidential Walk, a unique event guided by park rangers. This celebration of the nation’s founding involves a scenic trek along the Presidential Trail, providing some of the best panoramic views of Mt. Rushmore. The walk also includes historical insights and stories about the monument.
It’s a Hot Spot for Hollywood
Mt. Rushmore has starred in numerous Hollywood films, notably Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Its majestic faces and dramatic setting make it an ideal backdrop for action-packed scenes and adventure. Beyond Hitchcock, it has appeared in movies like Air Force One and Dante’s Peak.
The Story Behind the Name “Mount Rushmore”
Mount Rushmore, known as “The Six Grandfathers” or “Cougar Mountain” to the Lakota Sioux, was named after Charles E. Rushmore in 1930. Originally called Cougar Mountain and other names, it gained its current name due to Rushmore’s hunting joke.