Rising above the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stunning sight to behold. Audacious in scale and magnificent in artistry, the massive sculpture is a memorial to four American presidents and so much more. Scroll down to learn more about this fascinating and uniquely American place.
Robinson’s original idea for the memorial was to portray heroes of the American West, including Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Buffalo Bill Cody and Red Cloud. However, Borglum wanted to appeal to a national audience and suggested featuring four presidents. Representing important events and themes in our history, Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt were selected. Each face is approximately 60 feet in height and with noses longer than 20 feet. Their mouths are also about 18 feet wide.
Commanding General of the Revolutionary Army, first President of the United States and forever known as the “Father of his Country,” George Washington is the indispensable figure in American history. Without Washington, there is no America. His steady leadership, integrity and judgement provided the foundation for our fledgling republic. His place on Mount Rushmore, his monument in the capital that bears his name, a state and numerous roads, counties, towns and universities are deserving tributes to this great man. Thomas Jefferson is best known as the third President of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. His wide-ranging interests included philosophy, politics, education, agriculture, architecture, music, art, literature and more. Borglum insisted on Jefferson’s inclusion on the sculpture mainly based on his forward-thinking decision to add vast lands (including South Dakota) to the nation with the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The amazing legacy of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, includes winning the Civil War and bringing an end to slavery in our country. His speeches continue to inspire people today. Despite being one of our greatest presidents, people don’t often think about Lincoln when it comes to conservation. However, he changed the course of America’s public lands when he signed a law setting aside the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley as federally protected lands in 1864. This significant precedent gave life to the idea that places of scenic and natural importance should be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. It just makes sense that President Theodore Roosevelt is honored on Mount Rushmore. Often called a “force of nature” due to his energetic personality, he helped lay the modern foundation to protect wilderness and wildlife that shaped American land and culture. A New Yorker by birth, Roosevelt developed a deep passion for western lands, particularly the unique badlands of South Dakota. Though his likeness is slightly set back, the details of his eyeglasses and mustache make him an interesting part of the sculpture.
Picture Credit : Google
