MOUNT RUSHMORE
NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Mount Rushmore is another iconic landmark in America , that attracts over 3 million visitors annually . Located in the Black Hills in Keystone , South Dakota , the mountain is known for the sculptures of four very influential U . S . presidents that are carved into the granite : George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt , and Abraham Lincoln . The protected park area consists of more than 1,200 acres , and the sculptures are 60 feet high .
The sculptures were done by a father and son , Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum . Construction began in 1927 , and was in full effect until the faces were completed , which happened from 1934-1939 . Gutzon Borglum died in 1941 , but his son , Lincoln , continued to work on the sculptures . In the fall of 1941 , however , construction ended as a result of low funding . The original design was supposed to depict the presidents from the waist up .
The idea of the carvings is said to be from a South Dakota historian by the name of Jonah Leroy “ Doane ” Robinson . Robinson , however , did not choose the presidents to be featured . Instead , Robinson wanted America ’ s western heroes to be sculpted out . These heroes included Red Cloud , Lewis and Clark , and Buffalo Bill Cody . Gutzon chose the four presidents alternatively , explaining their nationwide appeal , as the carvings were ultimately to bring more tourism to the area .
Robinson also picked the Needles as the original carving site . After much opposition from Native American groups , and Gutzon ’ s explanation that the granite of the Needles was too unstable and skinny to get a proper carving out of , Robinson agreed on the Mount Rushmore site . The Needles still stand today , and are located in the Custer State Park . Because of their history with the Mount Rushmore carvings , and their natural appeal , the Needles still remain a widely visited site and are considered to be a landmark themselves .
Most who visit Mount Rushmore are simply in awe of its majestic and democratic qualities . Others have questions , such as , “ why is it called Mount Rushmore ?” Mount Rushmore is named after Charles Rushmore , a New York City attorney . Charles visited the site in 1884 to check on legalities and titles for the property . Charles asked a local guide what the mountain ’ s name was . The guide , Bill Challis , told Charles that it didn ’ t have a name , and flippantly replied that they would call it Mount Rushmore from that day on . Historians joke that neither man knew how famous the name would become , being at that time the site was just opening , and the concept of directing more tourists to the area was still underway , and would be for four decades .
American history is far deeper than the few landmarks mentioned here , but this insight should show the value that these pieces hold for our country . The birth of the nation , the foundation of our beliefs , the men who fought for and protected American ’ s rights , and the symbols and monuments they left behind are all unified in one common theme : America ’ s heritage and culture .
Today , the focus is widely centered around differences , individuality , and opposing views . When you visit a National Historic Landmark , you are begged to forget the seemingly large variances , and are instead encouraged to embrace the union of our country as a whole . Rediscover the lands , the founders , and the true meaning behind American principles .