Why Mount Rushmore Was Carved but Stone Mountain in Georgia Remained Unfinished

The United States is replete with monumental carvings that symbolize significant historical and political figures. Two such landmarks are Mount Rushmore and Stone Mountain in Georgia. While both feature grand carvings, their histories and purposes differ significantly, impacting why one was completed while the other remains unfinished.

Mount Rushmore: Purpose and Vision

Designed by the renowned sculptor Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore was initiated in 1927 and completed in 1941. The primary purpose of the monument was tourism and to celebrate American democracy. The faces of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—were chosen to represent the nation's founding, expansion, preservation, and unification. These presidential figures were meticulously selected to reflect the fundamental values and history of the United States.

Funding and Support

The project received significant federal funding and support from the State of South Dakota, which played a crucial role in its successful completion. The state leveraged its resources and promotional efforts to facilitate the realization of Borglum's vision. This extensive support and collaboration ensured that the monument would become a symbol of national pride and a key tourist attraction.

Technical Feasibility

The granite of the Black Hills provided an ideal medium for carving, enabling the intricate details of the presidential faces to be accurately depicted. The technical feasibility of the project was high, allowing Borglum and his team to create a magnificent and enduring monument.

Stone Mountain: Historical Context

Stone Mountain, located in Stone Mountain Park, Georgia, also features a large carving. However, its origins are different from Mount Rushmore. The project began in the 1920s and was initially conceived as a tribute to Confederate leaders. The monument currently features a carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. This initial vision, however, has evolved over time and currently includes other Confederate figures as well.

Political and Social Controversy

The project faced significant political and social challenges, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. The association with the Confederacy led to ongoing debates about the monument's appropriateness and relevance in modern society. These debates persist, making it difficult to justify further completion or expansion.

Funding and Management Issues

Stone Mountain has been plagued by funding shortages and changes in management. The initial sculptor Gutzon Borglum left the project, and it was later taken over by other artists. However, the project never reached the envisioned completion due to these challenges. The broader plans for the site, including additional sculptures and features, have remained unfulfilled due to ongoing controversies and financial constraints.

Current Status

The Stone Mountain carving was completed in 1972, but the broader plans for the site, including additional sculptures and features, have remained unfulfilled due to ongoing controversies and financial constraints. The monument currently exists as a completed carving of Confederate leaders, with the broader site left largely untouched.

Conclusion

In summary, Mount Rushmore was completed due to its clear vision, federal support, and favorable medium, while Stone Mountain faced significant political, social, and financial challenges that hindered its completion. The contrasting fates of these two landmarks offer insights into the complex interplay of historical context, societal values, and practical considerations in the creation of monumental carvings.