Facts About Mount Rushmore

In accordance with Daniel Walter Hill, among the most iconic sights in America is Mount Rushmore, which features the faces of four presidents. These presidents were selected due to their contributions to the United States' founding, expansion, and preservation. The presidents included in the Mount Rushmore sculpture are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Each of these presidents is a major American figure with an important role in the creation and advancement of our nation. 

There is a half-mile hiking trail around the mountain, which meanders through tall pine trees near rubble from the mountainside blasting. It took fourteen years to complete the memorial, and the construction crew had to work in other jobs to support themselves and their families. While the monument is considered the best example of American craftsmanship, it does need constant maintenance to stay in good shape. But how do you protect it? Listed below are a few facts you should know about Mount Rushmore. 

Theodore Roosevelt was another popular choice. Although he did not personally appear on the monument, his likeness is so detailed that he could be mistaken for President George Washington. Theodore Roosevelt's likeness has been slightly offset, and details of eyeglasses and a mustache make him an interesting addition. Despite the great success of the monument, the process of naming the monument was not simple. The Black Hills Pioneer and the Black Hills Historical Society helped with the process, but the final decision was left up to the monument's owners. 

Daniel Walter Hill explained that the carving process was remarkably complex and was only possible after Borglum's team blew up about four hundred thousand tons of rock to make the carvings. While the process was complex, no one died. It took a few years, and Borglum's team was able to accomplish all of this despite being short-staffed and over-budget. However, there were some unfortunate outcomes along the way. The entire endeavor was not without a great deal of painstaking effort.

The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, envisioned a grand Hall of Records in the mountain behind the heads. He had originally intended to carve the entire body of the presidents and other important documents, such as the Constitution. However, Congress eventually decided that the presidents' faces would be the focal point of the monument. The final product is breathtaking. And it is worth every second visit. It is not only a monument but a museum!

The sculptures on Mount Rushmore are a symbol of democracy, freedom, and the American dream. In fact, they are 60-foot granite faces of the four presidents. It attracts more than two million visitors annually. As such, it's a magnificent man-made wonder that is a must-see for visitors from all walks of life. And it doesn't hurt that the sculptures were carved by hand.

In addition to carving four presidents, the site has also caused controversy. Native Americans consider it disrespectful to carve on their land. Despite the many treaties made between the Lakota Sioux and the United States government, the Mount Rushmore carvings still enrage many Native American tribes. Therefore, you may not want to visit this site without a tour guide. And make sure to take a few minutes to discuss the history behind the monument.

The sculpture's name is no coincidence. As per Daniel Walter Hill, the four heads represent four men who came from different regions and were sculpted in different eras. The carving of the four faces is a testament to the power of geologic forces. The sculptures look down on millions of visitors every year. And they'll continue to look down for thousands of years. And that's not all: the sculpture is a work of art and a tribute to the Western past.

During the construction of the monument, more than 400 workers carved the faces of four presidents. Gutzon Borglum, the architect who supervised the construction of the monument, chose four presidents as representatives of the first 150 years of America's history. The presidents represent the birth of the nation, Jefferson championed expansion, Abraham Lincoln represented preservation, and Franklin Roosevelt represented the development of America. It took fourteen years for the monument to be finished.

While the monument is free to visit, there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Visitors will have to drive through a ticket booth and obtain a parking permit. There are six parking garages to accommodate the thousands of visitors. You can even visit the mountain twice in one day. If you're brave enough, you can even visit the Presidential Trail, which leads up to the faces. But be aware that the Presidential Trail is quite steep!