By R.L. Cultrona
The History of Mount Rushmore, SD
Mount Rushmore is one of the
United States' most treasured landmarks. Located in South Dakota, this monument to our presidents delights visitors from all over the world.
A Mountain Monument?
The idea for a Mount Rushmore-like monument was hatched in 1923 by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson. Even though he did not have public support for his idea, he looked to master sculptor Gutzon Borglum.
Borglum's Vision
Borglum envisioned creating a sculpture to enshrine four U.S. presidents alongside a brief history of the country. Behind the sculpture, he wanted to have a Hall of Records, where documents and artifacts could be preserved.
Presidents
Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt were chosen because of the impact they had on shaping the nation.
Dedication and Money woes
President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the memorial in 1927. It would take 14 years to complete the monument. However, due to the onset of the Great Depression, only 6 1/2 of those years were actually spent carving. With little money, the project limped along in the '30s.
Completion
Borglum died in March of 1941 with only the heads completed. Construction formally stopped in October of 1941.
About the Author:
R.L. Cultrona is a San Diego native and a graduate of San Diego State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater, television and film with a minor in communications and political science. She began writing online instructional articles in June 2009.
Photo Credits:
http://images.chron.com/blogs/sciguy/archives/Mountrushmore.jpg
