During which time period was the construction of Mount Rushmore completed?

Tourist Attractions

By Kristy Tolley

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, located in South Dakota’s Black Hills region. The massive sculpture depicts the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The construction of Mount Rushmore was a massive undertaking that required years of planning, hard work, and dedication. In this article, we will explore the time period during which the construction of Mount Rushmore was completed.

History of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore was carved into the granite face of a mountain by a team of skilled sculptors, led by Gutzon Borglum. The project started in 1927 and was completed in 1941, spanning a period of 14 years. The sculpture is 60 feet tall and features the faces of four of America’s most iconic presidents. The project was funded by the federal government and was intended to promote tourism in the region.

The Idea of Mount Rushmore

The idea of Mount Rushmore was first suggested by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson in 1923. Robinson proposed creating a monument in the Black Hills that would depict famous western figures such as Lewis and Clark, Red Cloud, and Buffalo Bill Cody. However, Borglum, the sculptor hired for the project, suggested using the faces of American presidents instead. The idea was well-received, and Borglum began planning the project.

Construction Begins

Work on Mount Rushmore began in 1927, and the first step was to remove a large amount of rock from the mountain to create a smooth surface. The workers used dynamite and jackhammers to carve away at the mountain, creating a surface that could be sculpted. Once the surface was prepared, the sculptors began carving the faces of the presidents. The project was incredibly challenging, as they had to work high up on the mountain, battling harsh weather conditions.

Building Techniques

The building techniques used to construct Mount Rushmore were groundbreaking at the time. Borglum used an innovative technique known as "honeycombing" to remove large amounts of rock quickly. The idea was to drill a series of holes into the rock, then remove the rock between the holes, leaving a honeycomb-like structure. This method allowed the workers to remove large sections of rock quickly and efficiently.

Delays and Setbacks

The construction of Mount Rushmore was plagued by delays and setbacks. One of the biggest challenges was the harsh weather conditions, which included high winds, snow, and extreme temperatures. Other challenges included materials shortages, funding issues, and labor disputes. Despite these challenges, the workers persevered, and the project continued to move forward.

Changes in Design

The original design for Mount Rushmore included the faces of the presidents down to their waists, but due to budgetary constraints, the design was scaled back to only include the faces. Additionally, Borglum made several changes to the design during the construction process, including making the faces larger than originally planned.

The Final Push

After years of hard work, the construction of Mount Rushmore was nearing completion in 1941. The final push involved finishing the details on the faces of the presidents and removing all of the scaffolding and equipment from the site. The workers worked tirelessly to meet the deadline, and on October 31, 1941, the project was officially declared complete.

Dedication and Legacy

Mount Rushmore was officially dedicated on July 4, 1941, and has since become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States. The monument serves as a symbol of American history and patriotism and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the workers who built it.

Conclusion

The construction of Mount Rushmore was a massive undertaking that required years of planning, hard work, and dedication. The project spanned a period of 14 years, from 1927 to 1941, and faced many challenges and setbacks along the way. However, despite these challenges, the workers persevered, and the monument was completed on time and within budget. Today, Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to the ingenuity, hard work, and dedication of the American people.

References

  • National Park Service. (n.d.). Mount Rushmore. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
  • The History Channel. (2019). Mount Rushmore. Retrieved from
  • Borglum, L. (1960). Mount Rushmore: The Story Behind the Scenery. K. C. Publications.

Further Reading

  • Carving History: Mount Rushmore. (2012). PBS. Retrieved from
  • Mount Rushmore: The History and Legacy of America’s Most Famous Sculpture. (2017). Charles River Editors.
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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