The Majestic Mt Rushmore
Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mt Rushmore stands as one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Carved into the granite face of the mountain are the faces of four of America’s most revered presidents. Each of these presidents holds a special place in American history and, together, they represent the ideals that America was founded upon.
What Is Mt Rushmore?
Mt Rushmore is a mountain in the Black Hills region of South Dakota that has been carved to depict the faces of four American presidents. The mountain stands at 5,725 feet and is made of granite. The carving is located on the southeast face of the mountain and is 60 feet tall. The carving was started in 1927 and completed in 1941.
Who Are The Four Presidents On Mt Rushmore?
The four presidents depicted on Mt Rushmore are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. George Washington was the first president of the United States and is often referred to as the "father of our country." Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was the president during the Civil War and is credited with ending slavery. Theodore Roosevelt was a conservationist and the 26th president of the United States.
Thomas Jefferson: An Overview
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Virginia. He was a lawyer, statesman, diplomat, and the third president of the United States. He is known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and for his advocacy of civil liberties and religious freedom.
Why Was Thomas Jefferson Chosen?
Thomas Jefferson was chosen to be one of the four presidents on Mt Rushmore because of his contributions to American history and his advocacy of civil liberties and religious freedom. Jefferson was also instrumental in expanding the United States through the Louisiana Purchase and was a strong supporter of education and science.
Jefferson’s Contribution To America
Thomas Jefferson played a pivotal role in American history. He was a champion of civil liberties and religious freedom and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence. He also served as the third president of the United States and oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States.
Jefferson’s Role In American History
Thomas Jefferson played a vital role in shaping American history. He was a staunch advocate of democracy and individual freedom, and his ideas influenced the American Revolution and the development of the United States government. He also helped to establish the University of Virginia and was a strong supporter of education and science.
Jefferson’s Legacy And Impact
Thomas Jefferson’s legacy and impact are still felt today. His ideas about individual freedom and democracy have influenced many people and governments around the world. He also played a pivotal role in the development of the United States government and helped to establish America as a world power.
Controversies Surrounding Jefferson’s Life
Despite his many accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson’s life was not without controversy. He owned slaves, which is a stain on his legacy and is often a topic of debate among historians. He also had a complicated relationship with Native Americans, and his views on race and gender have been criticized by modern scholars.
Criticisms And Alternatives
Some people have criticized the selection of Thomas Jefferson to be one of the four presidents on Mt Rushmore because of his ownership of slaves and his views on race and gender. Some have suggested that other historical figures, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt or Susan B. Anthony, should be included on the monument instead.
Conclusion: A Monument To Honor America’s History
Mt Rushmore is a monument to honor America’s history and the ideals that the country was founded upon. The selection of Thomas Jefferson to be one of the four presidents on the monument was based on his contributions to American history and his advocacy of civil liberties and religious freedom. While there are controversies surrounding his life, his legacy and impact on America are undeniable.
References And Further Reading
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Mount Rushmore National Memorial. https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
- Monticello. (n.d.). Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy. https://www.monticello.org/thomas-jefferson/
- History.com Editors. (2009, November 9). Mount Rushmore. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/mount-rushmore-1
- Smithsonian Magazine. (2012, February). The Dark Side of Thomas Jefferson. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-dark-side-of-thomas-jefferson-35976004/