Mount Rushmore South Dakota National Monument

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Mount Rushmore National Monument

Mount Rushmore is a national monument located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, USA. The monument features the carved faces of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sculptures were carved into the granite face of the mountain by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum between 1927 and 1941.

The idea for the monument was first proposed in 1923 by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson. He hoped to promote tourism in the area by creating a large-scale sculpture that would attract visitors. Borglum was chosen as the sculptor and began work on the project in 1927. The presidents were chosen for their contributions to the history of the United States. George Washington, the first president, represents the nation’s founding and the struggle for independence. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, represents the idea of democracy. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, represents the country’s preservation and development of natural resources. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, represents the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery.

The carving of the faces was a massive undertaking that required the use of dynamite, jackhammers, and other tools. The work was done by a team of sculptors and workers, many of whom were skilled rock climbers. The faces were carved from the top down, with the eyes being the last feature to be carved. The project was completed in 1941, and the monument was officially dedicated on October 31 of that year.

Mount Rushmore is now a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 2 million visitors each year. The monument is open year-round and features a visitor center with exhibits and information about the history of the mountain and the carving of the sculptures. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the mountain and get a closer look at the faces. The surrounding Black Hills region also offers many other attractions and activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Mount Rushmore is not only a symbol of America’s history but also represents the American spirit of determination, creativity, and perseverance. It’s an iconic landmark that should not be missed by anyone visiting the United States.

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