#ad
Buy "The Carving of Mount Rushmore" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bTc6EU
High in the granite hills of South Dakota, four enormous presidential noggins stare stoically out across the horizon, rain or shine, snow or squirrel. Welcome to Mount Rushmore—where history, artistry, and explosive rock removal come together in a monument that’s as American as apple pie and arguing about politics at Thanksgiving dinner.
The Origin Story: How Did This Giant Rock Get So Presidential?
The idea for Mount Rushmore came from a South Dakota historian named Doane Robinson, who wanted to attract tourists to the Black Hills. His original plan involved famous figures from the Wild West like Buffalo Bill Cody and Lewis and Clark. Enter sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who replied, in essence, “That’s cute, but how about something with more... gravitas?”
Borglum wanted to create a “shrine of democracy,” and he wasn’t going to carve just anybody into a mountain. He had his eyes set on U.S. Presidents—four of them, to be precise. The carving began in 1927 and was mostly completed by 1941. Gutzon passed away before it was done, and his son Lincoln Borglum (yes, named after the president—talk about destiny) carried on the work.
Funding ran dry before they could sculpt the presidents from the waist up, so we got four giant heads instead. Still pretty cool.
The Fab Four: Who Made the Cut?
Let’s meet the mountaintop VIPs and why they were chosen:
George Washington (1732–1799)
The Founding Father Who Couldn't Tell a Lie
If America were a rock band, George would be the lead singer—the founding member who started it all. He was the first President of the United States, the guy who beat the British in the Revolutionary War, and the man who turned down being king (which was very trendy in the 1700s).
Why He’s on the Mountain:
Washington symbolizes the birth of the United States. Without him, we might all be sipping tea with our pinkies up.
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
The Pen Behind the Declaration
Jefferson was the third President and the author of the Declaration of Independence—basically America’s break-up letter with King George. He also orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the country for about 3 cents an acre. Talk about a bargain.
Why He’s on the Mountain:
He represents expansion—and maybe a little real estate genius.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
The Mustachioed Man of Action
Teddy was the 26th President, a trust-buster, conservationist, and the kind of guy who once got shot during a speech and just kept talking. He helped build the Panama Canal and protected over 230 million acres of public land. Oh, and teddy bears? Yep, named after him.
Why He’s on the Mountain:
Roosevelt symbolizes development—economic and environmental. Plus, the ‘stache adds flair to the mountain.
Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
The Great Emancipator
Lincoln was the 16th President and led the country through the Civil War. He’s known for abolishing slavery, delivering the Gettysburg Address, and rocking that tall stovepipe hat like no one else ever could.
Why He’s on the Mountain:
Lincoln represents preservation—of the Union, democracy, and human rights.
Carving a Legacy: The Making of Mount Rushmore
Creating Mount Rushmore wasn’t exactly a weekend craft project—unless your idea of crafting involves thousands of pounds of explosives, sheer cliffs, and granite dust in places you didn’t know existed. From 1927 to 1941, more than 400 hardworking laborers—including sculptors, stonecutters, drillers, and general laborers—braved the elements (and gravity) to transform a mountainside into a patriotic masterpiece. These weren’t seasoned artists with studio lighting and coffee breaks—they were miners, veterans, and everyday folks who signed up for a job that involved dangling off the side of a mountain with dynamite strapped to their belts.
The tools of the trade? Dynamite, jackhammers, and chisels, with a side of courage (or maybe recklessness). About 90% of the carving was done with dynamite, which allowed workers to remove massive chunks of granite quickly. The fine details—like Roosevelt’s glasses or Lincoln’s beard—were then carefully refined with jackhammers and finishing tools. Precision and explosives: the odd couple that made American history.
Safety standards? Let’s just say this was the 1930s. OSHA didn’t exist yet, and if you showed up with a helmet, you were probably considered fancy. Workers were suspended in harnesses and bosun chairs hundreds of feet in the air, chipping away while debris rained down and the mountain shook beneath their boots. And yet, remarkably, not a single worker died during the entire 14-year project—a miracle by any measure, considering the risks. (Though it’s fair to assume a few may have walked away with permanent ringing in their ears and a new respect for granite.)
This wasn’t just a carving—it was a colossal feat of engineering, endurance, and imagination. When they couldn’t sculpt a mountain the old-fashioned way, their answer was simple: “When in doubt, blow it out.” Now that’s American ingenuity.
What’s in a Name?
Mount Rushmore is named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer who was surveying the area in 1885 and asked what the mountain was called. When nobody knew, someone reportedly replied, “Let’s just call it Rushmore.” And it stuck.
So yes, a mountain with the faces of four presidents is named after a guy who was basically just passing through.
Hidden Secrets: The Hall of Records
Behind Lincoln’s head lies a hidden chamber known as the Hall of Records. Borglum dreamed of it holding important U.S. documents—like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and maybe a killer chili recipe—but it was never finished due to budget cuts and, well, the whole World War II thing.
Today, there’s a small repository with a few plaques and historical documents sealed in a titanium vault. Indiana Jones would be disappointed.
Fun Facts You Can Whip Out at Parties
- The monument is about 5,725 feet above sea level.
- Each head is roughly 60 feet tall—that’s like a six-story building of pure granite forehead.
- George Washington’s nose is 21 feet long. Try getting sunglasses for that.
- It draws over 2 million visitors a year.
- Despite popular myth, there's no secret treasure or alien base inside (that we know of).
Visiting Mount Rushmore
If you’re planning a trip, bring your walking shoes, a camera, and an appreciation for large-scale ego in stone form—because Mount Rushmore delivers all of that in granite glory. The site isn't just about staring up at four 60-foot presidential faces (though that’s definitely the main event). There's also a visitor center and museum that dive into the monument's history, construction techniques, and the story of the workers who risked life and limb to blast a mountain into Mount Rushmore.
For nature lovers and explorers, several scenic walking trails wind around the park, including the Presidential Trail, which offers closer views of the carvings and plaques with fun facts about each president. Don’t miss the Sculptor’s Studio, where you can see models and tools used by Gutzon Borglum himself—it’s like stepping into the mind of the man who made America’s most stoic selfie.
Stick around for the nightly lighting ceremony, held during the summer months at the Lincoln Borglum Amphitheater. It's a moving tribute featuring patriotic music, a short film, and the illumination of the monument under the stars—perfect for those Instagram-worthy night shots. And speaking of photos, you’ll find plenty of selfie spots with some of the most iconic chins in U.S. history looming proudly in the background. Just try not to let Lincoln outshine your good side.
Final Thoughts
Mount Rushmore is more than just a patriotic photo op—it's a tribute to the people and ideals that helped shape the United States. It’s also a reminder of how history, art, and dynamite can come together to create something truly monumental.
So whether you're a history buff, a road-tripper, or just someone who likes really big faces on rocks, Mount Rushmore is well worth the visit. Just don’t try to climb it. The presidents prefer their personal space.
Thanks for stopping by, folks! If this post blew your mind like a stick of carving dynamite, give it a share and check out more historical ramblings and roadside oddities right here. 'Til next time, keep your eyes on the road and your GPS slightly confused.
