Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic symbols of America, although there is much more to this monument than just the huge faces carved into the rock. Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and brings together sculpture art, American history and amazing nature.
The granite rock of Mount Rushmore displays huge faces of four American presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each president symbolizes an important era in the history of America.
Mount Rushmore A Monument Carved Into the Black Hills
Unlike monuments made out of blocks of stones, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is carved into the face of the mountain. Mount Rushmore is a granite mountain situated in the Black Hills.
The project started in 1927 with the efforts of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, and took about 14 years to be completed. It was accomplished by thousands of workers who used drilling, blasting, and carving methods to form the images of the presidents.
It’s hard to imagine the scale of the memorial looking at the photographs. The size of each head is around 60 feet tall.
Why These Four Presidents?
- The four presidents have been chosen to reflect the significant milestones in the evolution of the United States of America.
- Washington is the symbol of the birth of the nation and the founding of the American republic.
- Jefferson is the person who represents the territorial expansion of the country and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
- Roosevelt reflects the growth and rise of the USA as an influential force on the world stage and also the conservation movement.
- Lincoln is the representative of preserving the union and abolishing slavery.
- Thus, all four figures reflect various periods of American history.
The Vision behind Mount Rushmore
It is said that Mount Rushmore was created not only as a means of bringing people to South Dakota but also as a means of drawing attention to the history of this place.
Gutzon Borglum designed a statue far bigger than the one that was ever completed. There were other parts of the statues to be built but money shortage and technical difficulties prevented Borglum from continuing his work and he died in 1941.
This monument can therefore be called an amazing piece of art as well as unfinished work of art.
The Avenue of Flags
One of the best visual experiences of the memorial is that of the Avenue of Flags.
This is a pathway lined by flags of all the 50 American states, territories and other jurisdictions. As people progress down the avenue, they get an excellent visual experience before arriving at the huge granite sculpture ahead. It is a great place to take pictures.
Grand View Terrace
If you want to have an authentic Mount Rushmore experience, then Grand View Terrace is a place to go.
Here, the four faces of the presidents are presented against the rugged backdrop of the Black Hills. This viewing point offers one of the best views of the monument, especially during morning or evening hours when the hills around become illuminated by the sun.
Presidential Trail
Those who wish to enjoy more than just a vista can take the Presidential Trail, which offers visitors views of the monument from other angles.
This is ideal for visitors who wish to enjoy the scenery in its totality, while also taking time out to view the statue from different angles. The scenic surroundings around the memorial form an integral part of the entire experience.
The Black Hills area of scenery that surrounds the monument forms a stark contrast to the urban monuments of Washington, DC.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center contains information regarding the creation and the history of the monument.
The exhibits contain details about how the giant sculpture was made and give insight into those individuals involved in its creation. It adds to the grandeur of the monument when one understands how it was formed.
This center is particularly helpful for people interested in the history of the place rather than merely taking pictures.
Evening Lighting
Mount Rushmore looks totally different once night falls.
The monument is lit up at night during performances, and there is a huge difference between the brightly lit presidential faces and the dark hills in the background.
A nighttime visit thus becomes entirely different from a daytime visit. If you have time, it may be good to experience both sides of Mount Rushmore.
More Than a Monument
It is common to consider Mount Rushmore as a simple sight-seeing destination; however, there is more to the location.
The monument lies inside the Black Hills, a location famous for its forestation, roads that lead up to the mountains, animals, and natural attractions. Tourists could easily plan their visit along with other places like Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park.
This location is thus especially appealing to people who like mixing history with nature.
The Black Hills Setting
One of the best attributes of Mount Rushmore is its setting.
This granite carving stands out against an environment filled with pine-covered hills and rocky formations. The result is a contrast between the colossal man-made art work and the natural surroundings.
Taking a drive through the Black Hills can be part of the experience as well. Roads will give you the chance to stop at lookouts, take trails, and even visit smaller towns.
Best Time to Visit
Mount Rushmore is open to tourists during most of the year, but depending on the time of year, it may have a somewhat different feel.
- In the summer months, the weather is generally warmer, and this is the time when many tourists visit.
- The autumn season brings changing leaf colors and cooler weather to the monument area.
- Visitors in the winter need to be prepared for the cold weather and any potential difficulties getting there.
- For photographers, sunrise and sunset may make particularly good photo opportunities.
A Landmark with a Complicated History
However, the history of Mount Rushmore goes beyond the presidents or the construction of the mountain itself. The monument was created in the Black Hills region, which is very sacred to the indigenous Lakota tribe.
The history of the land and the site of the monument is an issue that is still being debated. In learning more about the history behind the monument, people will gain a deeper appreciation of the monument other than seeing it simply as a patriotic site.
It is an essential component of appreciating Mount Rushmore within its historical context.
Why Mount Rushmore Is Worth Seeing
Mount Rushmore is famous owing to the unique blend of its scale, history and the surroundings. The huge images of American presidents look amazing at first sight, yet the landscape surrounding them is what makes the sight memorable.
One can take pictures of the monument, go on the Presidential Trail tour, learn interesting facts about the sculpture, listen to an evening presentation, and continue exploring the rest of the picturesque Black Hills area.
For any tourists passing through South Dakota, Mount Rushmore offers not only a chance to see one of America’s greatest sculptural monuments, but also to get acquainted with one of its most picturesque places.
Final Thoughts
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a superb example of a monument with a sculptural theme on a grandiose scale. The faces of the four presidents are world-famous, and the Black Hills serve as an excellent backdrop for this spectacular landmark.
If you decide to visit Mount Rushmore for its historical significance, photography opportunities, architectural wonders, or just for the sheer size of the sculptures carved into the mountainside, it will be well worth the trip.
It is helpful for those intending to go on a road journey across South Dakota to use an efficient GPS navigation system in their exploration of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, and other attractions within South Dakota. Websites such as MapProGPS.com can be useful in this case.
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