For what purpose was the memorial established at Mount Rushmore?

Tourist Attractions

By Kristy Tolley

The Mount Rushmore Memorial

Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States of America. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it features the faces of four American presidents carved into the mountainside. The memorial is a symbol of the country’s history, democracy, and the American spirit. It attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to appreciate its beauty and learn about its history.

History of Mount Rushmore

The idea of carving the faces of American presidents into the Black Hills of South Dakota was first proposed in 1924 by a historian named Doane Robinson. His idea was to create a tourist attraction that would draw people to the state. However, it was a sculptor named Gutzon Borglum who turned the idea into reality. Borglum was a well-known sculptor who was commissioned by the state of South Dakota to create the memorial. He chose the four presidents – George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt – because they represented important aspects of American history and values.

Who Conceived the Memorial?

Doane Robinson, a historian from South Dakota, first conceived the idea of carving the faces of American presidents into the Black Hills. He wanted to create a tourist attraction that would draw people to the state. He proposed the idea to Gutzon Borglum, a sculptor who had already gained fame with his work on another mountain, Stone Mountain in Georgia. Borglum agreed to take on the project, but he changed the original plan. Instead of carving the faces of famous western figures, he chose the four presidents because he believed they represented significant moments in American history.

The Four Presidents on Mount Rushmore

The four presidents on Mount Rushmore are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. Each of them represents a different aspect of American history and values. Washington represents the country’s birth and the founding principles of democracy. Lincoln represents the preservation of the Union and the fight against slavery. Jefferson represents the country’s territorial expansion and the principles of liberty and equality. Roosevelt represents the country’s development into a world power and the conservation of natural resources.

The Purpose of Mount Rushmore

The purpose of Mount Rushmore was to create a memorial that would honor the four American presidents and their contributions to the country. It was also meant to attract tourism to the state of South Dakota. The memorial was considered a work of art and a symbol of American democracy and values. It was meant to inspire patriotism and a sense of pride in the country.

Mount Rushmore as a Symbol of the American Spirit

Mount Rushmore is considered a symbol of the American spirit because it represents the country’s history, democracy, and values. The memorial captures the essence of the American dream and the pursuit of happiness. The four presidents on the mountainside represent the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have made America great.

Mount Rushmore as a Reminder of American History

Mount Rushmore serves as a reminder of the country’s history and its struggles. The four presidents on the mountainside represent different moments in American history, from the birth of the nation to its development into a world power. They also represent the challenges the country has faced, from slavery to conservation.

The Significance of the Location

The location of Mount Rushmore is significant because it is in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a sacred site for the Lakota people. The land was taken from the Lakota by the US government, and carving the faces of American presidents into the mountainside was seen as disrespectful and a form of colonization. The controversy surrounding the location of the memorial continues to this day.

The Mount Rushmore Memorial Today

Today, Mount Rushmore remains a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. The memorial has become a symbol of American history, democracy, and values. It is a work of art and an engineering marvel, representing the achievements of the country and the people who built it.

Controversies Surrounding Mount Rushmore

Despite its popularity, Mount Rushmore remains controversial. The land on which the memorial stands was taken from the Lakota people, and the carving of the presidents’ faces was seen as disrespectful. Additionally, the selection of the four presidents has been criticized for leaving out important figures, such as women and people of color.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is a symbol of American history, democracy, and values. It is a work of art and an engineering marvel that attracts millions of visitors every year. However, its controversial history and the ongoing debate surrounding its location and selection of presidents remind us of the country’s complex and often difficult past. Despite the controversies, Mount Rushmore remains a symbol of the American spirit and the pursuit of happiness.

References and Further Reading

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial. (n.d.). National Park Service. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
  • Mount Rushmore History. (n.d.). South Dakota Department of Tourism. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from
  • Mount Rushmore: A History of the American Icon. (2020, July 2). History.com. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from
Photo of author

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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