Not many Americans do not have this famous place on their bucket list to visit. Having seen so many pictures of this over the years just did not do it justice.  We had the most beautiful day to visit this amazing sculpture. Driving up we could start to see the faces appear in the distance. With the sun shining brilliantly on the mountain the famous faces glistened.  It was not too busy there this time so we were able to park close by and walk to the observation area.  From what I have learned the history of this sculpture is in brief as follows.   

“Between October 4, 1927, and October 31, 1941, Gutzon Borglum and about 400 workers sculpted the colossal 60-foot-high carvings of United States Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln to represent the first 150 years of American history. These presidents were selected by Borglum because of their role in preserving the Republic and expanding its territory. The carving of Mount Rushmore involved the use of dynamite, followed by the process of “honeycombing”, where workers drill holes close together, allowing small pieces to be removed by hand. In total, about 450,000 short tons of rock were blasted off the mountainside. The project was completed without a single fatality. 

In 1933, the National Park Service took Mount Rushmore under its jurisdiction. Engineer Julian Spotts helped with the project by improving its infrastructure. For example, he had the tram upgraded so it could reach the top of Mount Rushmore for the ease of workers. By July 4, 1934, Washington’s face had been completed and was dedicated. The face of Thomas Jefferson was dedicated in 1936, and Abraham Lincoln’s on September 17, 1937. In 1937, a bill was introduced in Congress to add the head of civil-rights leader Susan B. Anthony, but a rider was passed on an appropriations bill requiring federal funds be used to finish only those heads that had already been started at that time. In 1939, the face of Theodore Roosevelt was dedicated.”

What a magnificent place this has become. Flags and plaques from every state line the walking area approaching the sculpture. You get a deep feeling of pride for the great history that is being preserved for all to experience. And just imagining the feat it took to accomplish this is just mind blowing. Even having my own personal art skills, leaves me with pure amazement as to how they accomplished this back in the 20s to 40s.  Tools were very different then to what might be available now. And how the details on each face comes to life is just beyond words. 

I will close and tell you that, if you have yet to see this amazing place, you need to just go.


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