The Motivation and Legacy Behind Mount Rushmore: Carving the Likeness of Four Presidents

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, showcasing the likenesses of four of its most admired presidents etched into the granite face of a mountain. But why these specific presidents? And what motivated the sculptor Gutzon Borglum to undertake such a monumental task?

The Vision of Doane Robinson

The idea for Mount Rushmore actually originated with Doane Robinson, the South Dakota State Historian. Initially, Robinson envisioned a monument dedicated to the heroes of the American West, such as Lewis and Clark, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Chief Red Cloud. His goal was to draw tourism to South Dakota, a state that, at the time, lacked the attractions that regularly lured visitors.

From Western Heroes to Presidents

Robinson's vision was ambitious but realized that few would visit a monument dedicated solely to Western figures. He needed a project that would resonate with a wider national audience. That's when he turned to the renowned sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

Borglum, who had previously worked on the sculptures of Stone Mountain in Georgia, was brought on to design the project. Borglum suggested that the monument portray four presidents who best represented the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. These presidents are George Washington (the birth), Thomas Jefferson (the growth), Abraham Lincoln (the preservation), and Theodore Roosevelt (the development).

The Carving Process

The construction of Mount Rushmore was a gargantuan task. On October 4, 1927, Borglum began removing tons of granite and slowly shaping the mountain to present the likenesses of these presidents to the waist. However, due to Borglum's death in 1941 and the looming American involvement in World War II, only the heads were completed. The project, supervised by Borglum's son, Lincoln, was finally declared complete on October 31, 1941, just a month before the U.S.'s entry into the war.

A Celebrated Landmark

Today, Mount Rushmore is a celebrated national monument, attracting millions of visitors each year. Many believe that these presidents, selected for their significant contributions to American history, deserve this honor. While Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was president during the time the carving began, is not depicted, his legacy extends beyond that period and remains an important part of American history.

Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to the vision of Doane Robinson and the skill of Gutzon Borglum. It is a reminder of the leaders who shaped the United States and a symbol of the enduring power of American democracy.