Mount Rushmore: A Nation’s History Etched in Stone
Rising out of the Black Hills in the southwestern part of South Dakota are the granite sculptures of the heads of four of our nation's most important and impactful presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theadore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Measuring about 60 feet tall, this imposing monument took many years to complete, overcoming many political, financial and organizational problems.
Over two million visitors come to Mount Rushmore every year to not only take in the grandeur of the famous carving, but to learn the history of our country, our leaders, and the relationship we have with the land and its original inhabitants. The faces that we see today are symbolic of our freedom and of the hope we have for people from all cultures and countries.
The American sculptor that was chosen for this immense project was Idaho-born Gutzon Borglum (1867-1941). Following his artistic studies in San Francisco, he lived in Paris and studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, enjoying success with both his painting and sculptures. Back in the United States, he continued to take commissions nationally until finally he was brought to South Dakota and given the task of crafting the likenesses of the four presidents into the face of a mountain. Financing for the project came partially from the U.S. government and from private fundraising thanks to the very hard work of John Boland, political leader Peter Norbeck, who helped with the legislation to bring in financial support; Congressman William Williamson, and even President Calvin Coolidge, who was a strong supporter.
As with most projects of this scale and price, there were plenty of issues over the course of the construction and opening of the park. For a time, Borglum was replaced as head of the construction site when the government stepped in to make sure there was proper oversight and organization of the construction and workers, but Borglum was later returned to his position and was able to mostly finish the project before his death in 1941. His son James Lincoln Borglum faithfully completed it. Plans for his Hall of Records were never completed as financing was directed to the sculptor of the four presidents.
Today at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the park works closely with 21 associated tribal nations to ensure that their history and cultural heritage are not forgotten, but forged with the plans for the future of the park and other lands inhabited by them. The monument is constantly monitored to ensure the integrity of the granite and the preservation of the faces etched into it. Electronic instruments cover the surface of the stone and are capable of measuring not only the slightest movement of the rock, but of the temperature of the air and rock surface. They have also determined that the old mixture Borglum used for any cracks didn’t last long and today preservationists use a silicone caulk to make necessary repairs.
The park at Mount Rushmore offers visitors more than just a view of the presidents. There is the Presidential Trail, a walk that takes about 20-45 minutes. One can visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the process of carving this work, as well as the Visitor Center to access a lot more information about the history and technical aspects of a sculpture of this scale. I have yet to visit this popular and important national park but all who have gone before me say it is a wonderful and moving sight to behold.
For more information: https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm