Mount Rushmore memorializes the birth, growth, preservation and development of the United States of America. Between 1927 and 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the 60 foot busts of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln to represent the first 150 years of American history. Visitors to the memorial come primarily to view the granite sculpture itself, but also of interest is the Sculptor’s Studio built under the direction of the artist, Gutzon Borglum, in 1939. Unique plaster models and tools related to the sculpting process are displayed there. The memorial serves as home to many animals and plants representative of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The geologic formations of the heart of the Black Hills region are also evident at Mount Rushmore, including large outcrops of granite and mica schist.
Introduction
The sheer size of the mountain carving on Mount Rushmore evokes a sense of awe in those who view it. We are also amazed when we see ourselves in the faces of the presidents. The four presidents carved in stone represent all Americans. They represent our courage, dreams, freedom and greatness. The birth of our nation was guided by the vision and courage of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson always had dreams of a greater, more perfect nation, first in the words of the Declaration of Independence and later in the expansion of our nation through the Louisiana Purchase. Preservation of the union was paramount to Abraham Lincoln, a nation where all men were free and equal. At the turn of the Twentieth Century Theodore Roosevelt envisioned a great nation, a leader on the world stage, our nation was changing from a rural republic to a world power. The ideals of these presidents laid a foundation for the United States of America as solid as the rock from which their figures were carved.
Each president possessed great skills and leadership of the brand our nation needed for the times they represent. We all can look into their faces and gain inspiration and strength from these four great men and ourselves.
History & Culture
Carved into the southeast face of a mountain in South Dakota are the faces of four presidents, a memorial to American history. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln look down from their stoney heights and remind everyone that even the impossible is possible. South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson conceived the idea in 1923 to attract more people to the Black Hills of South Dakota with colossal carvings of western heroes. Robinson gained support from major players in South Dakota and Washington DC with the help of Senator Peter Norbeck and Congressman William Williamson. Congress passed legislation authorizing the mountain carving in Harney National Forest Preserve (now Black Hills National Forest).
after trying to get another sculptor to do the work, Robinson contacted Gutzon Borglum. Borglum, who agreed to come out to the Black Hills in 1924 to look at the area and see if the carving was possible. The plan was to carve the Needles area into tall granite figures. When Borglum inspected the Needles, he found them to be too thin and weathered to support sculpture on a grand scale. Borglum and the other carving supporters needed to find a new place to carve or abandon the project. It was then they were told about Mount Rushmore. When Borglum saw the mountain he pointed to it and said, “America will march along that skyline.” A place had been found to do their carving. Borglum liked Mount Rushmore because it faced southeast which meant it would receive good light throughout most of the day. It was the highest peak in the immediate vicinity and the granite was very resistant, eroding one inch every 10,000 years. Borglum told Robinson they needed subjects of a national focus. Robinson agreed and Borglum selected George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Once they had a carving plan and a location was set, the work could begin. Borglum created a plaster model from which measurements were taken using the pointing system. On October 4, 1927 the first actual work of carving began. Dynamite was used to remove rock from the mountain until there was only a thin, three to six inch layer of granite left. This final layer of granite was removed by a process called “honeycombing”. Then the surface was worked smooth with a bumper tool. This left the faces as smooth as a sidewalk.
Work began on Mount Rushmore with George Washington. His head was first carved in an egg shape and his features added later. Thomas Jefferson was started on Washington’s right. after about two years of working on Jefferson, the granite was found to be badly cracked and Jefferson had to be blasted off the mountain. He was started again on the left side of Washington.
In 1933, the Memorial came under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Julian Spotts, a National Park Service Engineer, was sent to the site to work with Borglum. Spotts made suggestions on some of the technical aspects and upgraded the tram to the top of Mount Rushmore so workers could get up and down the mountain safely, conveniently and quickly. Spotts made improvements to the efficiency of the air compressors as well. Spotts’ reports are on file at Mount Rushmore.
With fanfare Washington’s face was dedicated on July 4, 1934. Borglum was a genius at creating interest and excitement in his mountain carving. Local women from Rapid City made a 39 by 70 foot flag to cover the face before it was revealed to the public. Thomas Jefferson was dedicated in 1936 with President Franklin Roosevelt attending the dedication. Franklin Roosevelt had no intention of speaking at the dedication but was inspired by what he saw and gave a brief speech.
Abraham Lincoln was dedicated on September 17, 1937, the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. In 1939, the same year modern plumbing and night lighting was installed at the memorial, Theodore Roosevelt’s figure was dedicated. As the flag was removed on July 2nd from Roosevelt’s face the newly installed lights slowly illuminated it followed by fireworks and rockets that lit up the sky.
For two more years the work continued on the mountain. Details and finishing touches were made. In March of 1941 Borglum died suddenly of an embolism. His son, Lincoln, took over the project for the next seven months, until funding ran out. The carving of Mount Rushmore was shut down and the presidential faces were complete as they stood.
Yet during these tumultuous years of the nation’s life the imposing granite face of Mount Rushmore had been unimaginably transformed into the likeness of four of our nation’s greatest presidents. What had seemed almost impossible had been made a reality.
Recreation
Mount Rushmore National Memorial provides self-guided and ranger-guided opportunities for you to explore the history, art and science of this mountain sculpture and its setting.”The Shrine”, a short film shown at the Lincoln Borglum Museum, provides an introduction to the memorial. While there, visit our new exhibit hall, completed in 1998. Inside you will find interactive exhibits through which you can discover more about the men and the methods used to create Mount Rushmore.
A short stroll along the Presidential Trail provides the closest access to the sculpture. Along the way, enjoy more intimate views of the artwork as either a self-guided or ranger-guided walk.
Put yourself in the artist’s perspective and view the mountain sculpture and the original model from the very place Gutzon Borglum saw his dream become reality: The Sculptor’s Studio.
Ranger-led activities are conducted daily during the summer. Rangers are also available to answer your questions at either the Information Center or Visitor Center throughout the year.
The sculpture on Mount Rushmore is illuminated nightly year-round. During the summer months, a sculpture lighting program is held in the park’s amphitheater each night at 9 p.m. (program begins at 8 p.m. in September). The 30-minute program consists of a short ranger talk, a film about the four presidents on the mountain, the playing of the National Anthem and the lighting of the sculpture.
Getting There
By Plane
Rapid City Regional Airport: 35 miles to the memorial from Rapid City Regional Airport.
By Car
Visitors traveling on Interstate 90 should exit at Rapid City and follow Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the memorial.
Getting Around
Mount Rushmore National Memorial facilities are concentrated in a central area with pedestrian access from parking. Plan on at least a 2 hour stay to fully enjoy the memorial.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Mount Rushmore National Monument
13000 Highway 244
Building 31, Suite1
Keystone, SD 57751-0268
Phone: 605-574-2523
Phone: 605-574-3171 (Visitor Information Recording)
Fax: 605-574-2307
Operating Hours & Seasons
Memorial and visitor services are open all year. However, visitor services are closed December 25.
Weather/Climate
Warm days and cool nights are common in the summer, but July and August are typically hot. Moderate temperatures usually prevail in the winter months with some below zero temperatures. afternoon thunderstorms in the summer may bring damaging hail and on occasion fog will obscure any view of the memorial. Snow may fall as early as September and may last until mid-May. Layered clothing is recommended along with comfortable walking shoes.
