Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a colossal granite sculpture located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, United States. This iconic monument features the faces of four American presidents, carved into the mountainside at an elevation of 5,725 feet. It is a symbol of American history, ingenuity, and national pride.
The idea behind Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore was the brainchild of historian Doane Robinson, who envisioned a massive sculpture that would attract tourists to South Dakota. Robinson’s idea was to carve the likenesses of Western heroes, such as Lewis and Clark, Buffalo Bill, and Red Cloud, into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. However, it was the sculptor Gutzon Borglum who ultimately decided to honor American presidents instead. Borglum believed that depicting the faces of presidents would be more universally appealing and would have a greater cultural significance.
Selection of the faces
The selection of the four presidents to be featured on Mount Rushmore was a deliberate and symbolic choice. Each of the presidents was chosen to represent a particular aspect of American history and national identity. George Washington was selected as the "father of the country," representing the founding principles of democracy. Thomas Jefferson was chosen as the embodiment of American values of liberty and independence. Abraham Lincoln was chosen for his leadership in preserving the Union and ending slavery. Theodore Roosevelt was chosen for his role in expanding American power and influence around the world.
George Washington
George Washington’s face was the first to be carved into Mount Rushmore, and it is the largest of the four faces. Washington was chosen for his crucial role in the Revolutionary War and his leadership as the first president of the United States. His face on Mount Rushmore represents the founding principles of American democracy and the ideals of freedom and independence.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the second president to have his likeness carved into Mount Rushmore. Jefferson was selected for his contributions to the American Revolution and his authorship of the Declaration of Independence. His face on Mount Rushmore represents the values of liberty and freedom that are central to American identity.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s face on Mount Rushmore represents his leadership during one of the most transformative periods in American history. Lincoln was chosen for his leadership in preserving the Union during the Civil War and for his efforts to end slavery. His face on Mount Rushmore represents the ideals of unity and equality.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was the last president to be added to Mount Rushmore. He was chosen for his role in expanding American power and influence around the world, as well as for his contributions to conservation and environmental protection. His face on Mount Rushmore represents American exceptionalism and the nation’s ability to lead on the global stage.
Controversy over the chosen figures
The selection of the four presidents to be depicted on Mount Rushmore has been a source of controversy and criticism. Some have argued that the chosen figures represent a narrow view of American history and exclude important voices and perspectives. Others have criticized the monument for its location on land that is sacred to the Lakota Sioux people, who were forcibly removed from the Black Hills in the 19th century.
The Lakota Sioux and their land
The Lakota Sioux people view the Black Hills as a sacred site, and the construction of Mount Rushmore has been seen as a desecration of their land and cultural heritage. The monument has been the subject of protests and demonstrations by Native American activists who argue that the government’s seizure of the Black Hills in the 1800s was illegal and unjust.
The significance of Mount Rushmore today
Despite the controversy surrounding its creation, Mount Rushmore remains a powerful and enduring symbol of American history and identity. It is a testament to the country’s ingenuity and ambition, as well as to the enduring legacies of the presidents depicted on its face.
Alternatives to Mount Rushmore
Some have proposed alternative designs for Mount Rushmore that would better reflect the diversity and complexity of American history. These proposals include adding the faces of women, people of color, or other historical figures who have been overlooked or excluded from the traditional narrative of American history.
Conclusion: Mount Rushmore’s legacy
Mount Rushmore remains an iconic and enduring symbol of American history and national identity. It is a testament to the country’s ingenuity and ambition, as well as to the enduring legacies of the presidents depicted on its face. Despite the controversy surrounding its creation, it continues to draw millions of visitors each year, and its legacy as a symbol of American exceptionalism and national pride endures.
