The creation of Mount Rushmore is filled with surprising details that many people don’t know. This iconic monument, carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota, has a fascinating history. From its initial concept to the final touches, the process was anything but straightforward. Here are some surprising facts about how this American landmark came to be.
Mount Rushmore Was Originally Intended to Feature Western Heroes
The original idea for Mount Rushmore didn’t involve U.S. presidents at all. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson envisioned the monument as a tribute to key figures of the American West, like Lewis and Clark, Buffalo Bill, and Chief Red Cloud. However, sculptor Gutzon Borglum persuaded Robinson to feature four presidents to attract a broader audience. This change gave the monument its iconic status and national significance.
The Granite Faces Were Carved With Dynamite
Carving the massive faces of Mount Rushmore wasn’t done with chisels alone. In fact, about 90% of the monument was sculpted using dynamite, a method that removed large amounts of rock efficiently. Precision carving was later done by hand, but the bulk of the work was achieved through controlled explosions. This explosive approach was crucial in creating the monument’s grand scale.
Thomas Jefferson Was Originally On The Opposite Side
Thomas Jefferson’s face was initially carved to the left of George Washington. However, after realizing that the rock was unsuitable, the work had to be dynamited away. Jefferson’s face was then repositioned to Washington’s right, where it stands today. This shift in location was a significant adjustment during the monument’s construction.
Mount Rushmore’s Sculptor Had Big Plans for a Hall of Records
Gutzon Borglum had ambitious plans for Mount Rushmore, beyond the four presidential faces. He envisioned a massive Hall of Records behind the monument that would store important documents and artifacts from American history. Although the hall was never completed, a small chamber was carved behind Lincoln’s head, where a titanium vault containing historical documents and the monument’s history now resides. This hidden room adds a layer of mystery to the monument.
The Project Was Funded by Both Private and Federal Money
Financing Mount Rushmore was a significant challenge, requiring both private donations and federal funds. The project began with money raised by the state of South Dakota and later received substantial federal support. Despite the Great Depression, the monument received enough funding to continue through the economic downturn. This financial backing was crucial in seeing the project through to completion.
Workers Had No Fatal Accidents During Construction
Remarkably, no workers died during the construction of Mount Rushmore, despite the dangerous conditions. The men who carved the monument worked on steep cliffs, often suspended by ropes, handling explosives and heavy equipment. Safety measures were strictly enforced, which helped prevent accidents. This achievement is a testament to the careful planning and skilled labor involved.
Mount Rushmore’s Faces Are 60 Feet Tall
Each of the four presidential faces on Mount Rushmore is 60 feet tall, making them some of the largest sculptures in the world. The scale of the faces was carefully planned to be proportional to the mountain’s size, ensuring visibility from miles away. The noses alone are about 20 feet long, and the mouths measure about 18 feet wide. This monumental size contributes to the monument’s awe-inspiring presence.
The Original Design Included More Than Just Faces
Gutzon Borglum’s original design for Mount Rushmore included the presidents’ bodies down to their waists. However, due to time constraints and funding shortages, the work was limited to the faces only. If completed, the full design would have made the monument even more imposing. Today, the unfinished nature of the sculpture is part of its unique character.
The Name “Mount Rushmore” Predates the Monument
Mount Rushmore was named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer who visited the area in 1885. The name was adopted long before the idea of the monument was conceived. Rushmore himself contributed $5,000 to the project, a significant sum at the time. The mountain’s prior name, “The Six Grandfathers,” was given by the Lakota Sioux.
The Sculptor’s Son Oversaw the Project’s Completion
After Gutzon Borglum’s death in 1941, his son, Lincoln Borglum, took over the project. Lincoln, who had been involved from the start, ensured that his father’s vision was realized as much as possible. He made the difficult decision to consider the monument complete with just the faces, given the circumstances. His leadership was crucial in bringing the project to its successful conclusion.
The Monument Was Never Fully Completed
Though Mount Rushmore is iconic, it was never finished according to the original plans. Borglum had intended for more detailed carvings and additional elements like the Hall of Records. The onset of World War II and the passing of Gutzon Borglum led to the cessation of work. The monument, as we see it today, is a testament to the vision that was partially realized.
It Was a Symbol of Hope During the Great Depression
Construction of Mount Rushmore continued throughout the Great Depression, providing jobs and hope during hard times. The project employed over 400 men, who were paid to work on the monument when jobs were scarce. The federal funding provided by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal played a crucial role in sustaining the work. The monument became a symbol of perseverance and national pride during a challenging era.
A Secret Time Capsule Is Hidden in the Monument
Behind Abraham Lincoln’s head lies a hidden chamber that serves as a time capsule. This vault contains 16 porcelain panels with texts explaining the history of the United States, the monument’s creation, and the reason behind its construction. The chamber was intended to be a Hall of Records, but funding and time constraints limited its scope. Today, it serves as a symbolic gesture for future generations.
Mount Rushmore Represents Four Key Phases of American History
The selection of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore was symbolic, representing key phases of American history. George Washington symbolizes the birth of the nation, Thomas Jefferson the growth and expansion, Abraham Lincoln the preservation, and Theodore Roosevelt the development. This choice of figures was meant to reflect the evolution of the United States. The monument is as much a celebration of American ideals as it is of the individuals themselves.
The Project Faced Significant Opposition
Not everyone supported the creation of Mount Rushmore, and the project faced opposition from various groups. Some Native American groups opposed it due to the desecration of sacred land. Others questioned the expenditure during the Great Depression, arguing that funds could be better spent elsewhere. Despite these challenges, the monument was completed and has since become a national symbol.
Mount Rushmore Inspired Other Monumental Projects
The success of Mount Rushmore inspired other large-scale projects across the United States. It demonstrated that monumental sculpture could have a lasting impact on national identity and tourism. Projects like the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still under construction in the Black Hills, were directly inspired by Mount Rushmore. This legacy of monumental art continues to influence public works today.
The Monument Has Seen Over 100 Million Visitors
Since its completion, Mount Rushmore has attracted over 100 million visitors from around the world. The site has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, drawing people to witness the grandeur of the carvings. The monument is especially popular during the summer months when millions of visitors flock to the Black Hills. Its appeal continues to grow, making it a symbol of American culture and history.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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