The creation of Mount Rushmore began on October 4, 1927, with the goal of immortalizing the images of four American presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum led the effort, which employed about 400 men and women before its completion on October 31, 1941. Borglum believed that a monument’s dimensions should be determined by the importance of the events commemorated. He passed away before the project was finished, and his son oversaw the final months of construction. The faces of the presidents were revealed over years, starting with Washington in 1930 and ending with Roosevelt in 1939.
Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were chosen to be immortalized on Mount Rushmore due to their significant contributions to American history. Washington was known as the “Father of His Country” for his faith in the new republic during dark times. Jefferson promoted the belief that all men are created equal. Roosevelt was a reformer and environmentalist who won the Nobel Peace Prize, while Lincoln emancipated nearly 4 million slaves and led the nation through the Civil War. However, some critics have called for the removal of Mount Rushmore due to its controversial history, including the Native American land it was built on.
The process of carving Mount Rushmore from a mountain face of granite and sandstone was ambitious, daring, and dangerous. Rock was first blown off the mountain using explosives before becoming more precise as the carving continued. Dynamite was utilized until only a few inches of rock remained, and workers used honeycombing techniques to weaken the granite for removal. Despite the risks involved, not a single person died during the 14 years of construction. Once the carving was completed, workers smoothed the surface of the faces using hand tools to create a smooth finish.
In recent years, Mount Rushmore has faced criticism from some who view it as a symbol of colonization and theft of Native American land. Calls for the monument’s removal have sparked debate, with some arguing for its historical significance and others calling for its dismantling. In response to the controversy, South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson introduced the Mount Rushmore Protection Act, which prohibits the alteration or destruction of the monument using federal funds. Despite the conflicting opinions surrounding Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument continues to stand as a tribute to American history and the achievements of its four presidential figures.
The construction of Mount Rushmore was a monumental achievement that required years of labor and dedication from hundreds of workers. The project faced numerous challenges, including the use of explosives, dangerous conditions, and daunting heights. Yet, through careful planning and precise carving techniques, the workers were able to complete the massive relief monument without any fatalities. The faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln now stand as a testament to their enduring legacies and contributions to American society. The preservation of Mount Rushmore continues to be a topic of debate, highlighting the complex history and conflicting viewpoints surrounding this iconic landmark.
