Member-only story

Mount Rushmore: Myths, Legends, and Facts Monumental History

Maurice Parker

·19.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Mount Rushmore: Myths Legends And Facts (Monumental History)

6 min read · 1 month before

1k View Claps

54 Respond

Save

Listen

Mount Rushmore: Myths, Legends, and Facts (Monumental History)

by Jessica Gunderson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36344 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an iconic American landmark that attracts millions of visitors each year. The colossal sculpture of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—carved into the side of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota has captured the imagination of the world.

But beyond its stunning beauty, Mount Rushmore has a rich history and is surrounded by countless myths and legends. In this article, we will explore the fascinating stories and facts that have shaped this monumental landmark.

The Birth of an Idea

The idea for Mount Rushmore came from historian Doane Robinson in 1923. Inspired by the success of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a sculpture of the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse being carved into the side of a nearby mountain, Robinson envisioned a similar project to honor the nation's presidents.

Robinson approached Gutzon Borglum, a renowned sculptor who had previously worked on the Crazy Horse Memorial. Borglum was enthusiastic about the idea and spent the next several years developing plans for the Mount Rushmore sculpture.

The Faces of Mount Rushmore

Borglum chose four presidents to represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States and is considered the "Father of His Country."
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the third President of the United States and is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was the 26th President of the United States and is known for his conservation efforts and his role in the Panama Canal.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States and is best known for his leadership during the Civil War and his Gettysburg Address.

Borglum carefully selected the location of each president's face on Mount Rushmore. Washington and Jefferson are positioned on the left side, representing the birth and growth of the nation, while Roosevelt and Lincoln are on the right side, representing the nation's development and preservation.

The Carving of Mount Rushmore

The carving of Mount Rushmore began in 1927 and lasted for over 14 years. Borglum used a process called "honeycombing" to carve the presidents' faces. This involved drilling a series of holes into the rock, which were then filled with dynamite to blast away the excess stone.

The carving of Mount Rushmore was a dangerous undertaking. Several workers were killed or injured during the construction, and Borglum himself had a heart attack while working on the project.

The Myths and Legends of Mount Rushmore

Over the years, Mount Rushmore has become the subject of numerous myths and legends. Some of the most common include:

The presidents' faces are hidden: Some people believe that the faces of the presidents are not actually carved into the rock, but are instead hidden behind a thin layer of concrete. This myth is likely due to the fact that the faces are often obscured by clouds or fog.
The presidents' eyes are lined up with the stars: Another myth is that the presidents' eyes are lined up with certain stars in the night sky. This is not true, as the faces of the presidents are simply carved into the side of the mountain, and the positioning of their eyes has nothing to do with astronomy.
The presidents' faces will eventually erode: Some people believe that the presidents' faces will eventually erode away due to the elements. This is true, but the rate of erosion is extremely slow. It is estimated that the faces will last for thousands of years.

The Legacy of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a lasting tribute to the four presidents who shaped the history of the United States. The sculpture is a reminder of the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation, and it continues to inspire millions of visitors from around the world.

Despite the myths and legends surrounding it, Mount Rushmore is a true American icon. The sculpture is a majestic work of art that captures the spirit of the nation and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the American people.