Mount Rushmore is the famous colossal sculptures of four U.S. Presidents carved into the granite face of the mountain. The monument was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. His vision was to create a memorial that would promote tourism in the region while honoring important figures in U.S. history.
Mount Rushmore is not only an iconic American symbol but also a place of reflection on the complexities of U.S. history, blending art, politics, and culture into a landmark that attracts millions each year.
Construction began in 1927 and continued until 1941, when Borglum passed away. His son, Lincoln Borglum, oversaw the completion of the project after his father’s death.
The four presidents sculpted on Mount Rushmore were selected by Gutzon Borglum for their contributions to the development of the United States: George Washington: The first U.S. President (1789–1797), symbolizing the birth of the nation and its founding principles; Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President (1801–1809), representing the expansion of the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase and his role in the development of democratic ideals; Theodore Roosevelt, 26th U.S. President (1901–1909), symbolizing the development of the U.S. into a world power and his efforts in conservation and the construction of the Panama Canal; Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President (1861–1865), who led the nation through the Civil War and abolished slavery, preserving the Union.
Each of the presidents’ faces is about 60 feet tall. The eyes alone are about 11 feet wide.
Mount Rushmore is controversial and is considered a desecration of sacred land by many Lakota. Crazy Horse was known to have scorned those of his people who thought to sell the land to the United States, saying that what was given freely by the Great Spirit could not be traded. Crazy Horse lived and died so that the land would be free. Some Native American groups have called for the monument’s removal as part of broader discussions on historical injustices.
Once within the site, visitors experience The Avenue of the Flags – the main pathway to the Mt Rushmore memorial. Here, guests are greeted by a walkway flanked on both sides by the flags of all 50 states and territories of the United States. Arranged in alphabetical order, the names of each state, district, commonwealth, and territory are listed on the pillars directly below each flag.
The Avenue of the Flags is the pathway that leads to Grand View Terrace. Grand View Terrace is the primary platform where visitors have a clear view of the gigantic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The unobstructed views from this platform provide the classic visuals of the monument that most tourists are familiar with.
The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Museum, Theater & Bookstore is located below the Grand View Terrace. This free visitor center offers interactive museum exhibits, a short film, and an information desk staffed by park rangers.
By watching Mount Rushmore: The Shrine, visitors gain a true understanding of the immense amount of detail and work that it took to carve the faces of these four former U.S. Presidents. Likewise, the Exhibit Hall provides education on the sculptor and his workers, and even contains some of the original tools used for the carving.
The Presidential Trail is a paved half-mile observation loop that begins at Grand View Terrace and leads to viewing areas at the base of the mountain. This family-friendly trail is a series of steps and vantage platforms that provide a closer view of the sculptures. Its winding walkways also give visitors a chance to get away from the crowds on the terrace.
From late May to late September, Mount Rushmore National Memorial holds a special program each evening at 9:00 PM to light the sculpture.
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