Who hasn’t heard of Mount Rushmore? The towering faces of four former US presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt — memorable not only for being America’s most revered commanders-in-chief, but also for their grand entrance on the side of the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota. For almost a century they have been engraved into an otherwise untouched and majestic landscape, a monument to living history never forgotten. This article offers an up-close look at the breathtaking memorial and the skill and labour that went into creating it.
1. Monumental Symbols: The History of Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Its 60-foot-high faces of four of the nation’s most famous presidents were dedicated on October 31, 1941. It is a testament to the strength and values of the United States, and it has made an indelible mark in the collective memory of Americans.
Who Decided Mount Rushmore?
Doane Robinson, a historian and state historian of South Dakota, was the original driving force behind the idea of Mount Rushmore. He wanted to create a large landmark that would attract tourists to the Black Hills region of South Dakota. In 1924, the state legislature agreed and began to take action. Robinson’s original plan was for the monument to feature western heroes like Buffalo Bill, Red Cloud, and Lewis and Clark.
Who Chose the Presidents on Mount Rushmore?
The U.S. government eventually took over the project, and it was the visionary sculptor Gutzon Borglum who decided which presidents to feature. His choice of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln made perfect sense: these presidents had led the United States through its formative years and had shaped its lasting values and principles.
The Construction and Dedication of Mount Rushmore
Under the supervision of Borglum’s son, Lincoln Borglum, construction began and lasted 14 years. Gutzon died partway through the project, so Lincoln took over until it was finished in 1941. It was officially dedicated that October in a ceremony with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in attendance.
The Continuing Legacy of Mount Rushmore
Since the monument’s dedication, Mount Rushmore has become one of the most visited sites in the United States. It is a symbol of America’s proud and resilient spirit, and its presence reminds those lucky enough to visit of the extraordinary work these four presidents did to shape the country we know today.
2. Uniting Four Different Perspectives: The Presidents Carved into the Black Hills
The four presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, have all been carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, creating a unique, national landmark. As the story goes, the project began in 1927 under the visions of South Dakota’s Doane Robinson and his plans for a new national landmark.
Not only did Robinson have the ambition to get the project started, but he also had his sights on the right presidential faces for the job. All four presidents were chosen for their contributions to and impact on the United States. Washington, the father of the nation and the first president, laid the real foundation for the Unites States we know and love today. Jefferson, the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for establishing the foundation for the government and the laws. Roosevelt was an advocate for conservation and was responsible for a number of acts to preserve the environment. Finally Lincoln led the country through a civil war and birthed the roots of the emancipation proclamation.
Mount Rushmore is a monument that stands tall, creating an encompassing view from a single point. As a symbol of the United States, it stands as proof of our dedication to independence and freedom. Each of these monumental faces, carved into the Black Hills, shines a light on America’s past, providing a strong reminder of the country’s rich history. Together, these four former presidents offer a visual representation of the nation’s ambition and drive.
The History
- Construction on the Mount Rushmore project began in 1927 under the visions of South Dakota’s Doane Robinson
- All four presidents were chosen for their contributions to and impact on the United States
- The project was finally completed in 1941 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum in spite of the country’s ravaging economy
The Legacy
- Mount Rushmore stands as a symbol of the United States, dedicated to independence and freedom
- The four former presidents offer a visual representation of the nation’s ambition and drive
- Mount Rushmore is a monument for all time, shining a light on our nation’s past and providing a strong reminder of our rich history
3. Carving Out a Piece of History: The Artistry and Skill Behind the Monument
The craftsmanship of monumental sculptures is undeniable – just one glance is enough to appreciate the intricate detailing and painstaking effort that goes into their making. From the conceptualization and planning stage, all the way to the actual sculpting and assembly, these works possess a timeless beauty that has captivated viewers for centuries.
Creating a large-scale piece of art on such a grand scale requires immense skill and precision to bring to life what was once just an idea. Master artists dedicate countless hours to perfect the details and core form of the sculpture, bringing the desired effect to fruition. Incredible works are then created, even from the most unlikely sources.
A modern example of the level of artistry and skill involved in the monument-making process can be seen in the Statue of Liberty in New York City’s beautiful harbor. The artist behind the work, Fredeic Auguste Bartholdi, employed a team of specialists and artisans to create the 305-foot tall masterpiece to the exact specifications he had in mind.
The intricately detailed Lady Liberty stands stronger than ever today, proudly commemorating generations of immigrants and citizens alike. Within her iconic clasped torch lies the story of a nation, a testament to the determination and hard work it took to bring the monument to life.
- The sculpting of a monument is no small task
- From concept to execution, remarkable pieces of art are born
- The Statue of Liberty is a representation of a nation’s pride and tenacity
- It takes great skill and determination to etch out a place in history
The mastery showcased in monumental sculptures provides an incredible insight into the immense talent of the artist involved. Through the years, countless monuments have been erected, immortalizing their creators for years to come. They stand as testament to the risks taken and the passion and hard work of the people behind them.
From the Pantheon in Greece to the Washington Monument in Cairo, monuments the world over exist to remind us of the very human need to shape our own history – a skill that is unparalleled when it comes to monumental sculptures.
4. Preserving an Iconic Memorial: The Future of Mount Rushmore
The Mount Rushmore Memorial holds a vast significance for the United States. It is a reminder of our country’s commitment to freedom and liberty for its citizens, along with displaying the faces of four of our most celebrated presidents. Thus, preserving its status is of paramount importance.
A number of preservation efforts are underway in order to ensure that the monument is protected, both now and in the future. A number of preventive measures are taken regularly, such as washing the faces of the mountain and keeping a watchful eye over erosion down the mountain.
In terms of long-term preservation prospects, the National Park Service and local government are focused on providing safe infrastructure and secure boundaries in the area. It is important to note that the memorial stands on public land that is managed by the Federal government and local authorities.
The government has taken ownership of some of the most public resources that are part of the memorial, including the parking lot, visitor’s center, and pathways. Furthermore, the Sioux Nation, the tribe whose land Mount Rushmore stands upon, has a dialogue with the government in order to determine further plans for preservation.
At the same time, research is also actively being done in terms of predicting and preventing rock decay. This includes monitoring and testing the rock and weather variations throughout the region, ultimately allowing for insight into the preservation of Mount Rushmore.
Environmental efforts are also in place, including the clean up of debris and other pollutants left behind by previous visitors, as well as working with authorities to ensure that noise and pollution levels are kept to a minimum. Additionally, plans have been discussed on how best to protect the memorial from potential natural disasters.
- Preservation efforts are being regularly taken to protect the monument
- Safe infrastructure and secure boundaries are being created in the area
- Research is being conducted on how to predict and prevent rock decay
- Environmental efforts are in place to protect the memorial from potential natural disasters
It is clear that a vast number of efforts are being implemented in order to preserve this iconic memorial for future generations. Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the United States, and should remain as such for many years to come.
Regardless of one’s opinion on American history, Mount Rushmore is an impressive feat of engineering and an iconic landmark that stands for different things to different people. When visiting, be sure to take time to appreciate the intricate detail of the carefully carved rock face and the four faces that represent America’s presidents and a history that will never be forgotten.
