Completion of Mount Rushmore: October 31, 1941

On October 31, 1941, the monumental sculpture of Mount Rushmore was completed in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This iconic American landmark features the 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The project, which took 14 years to complete, stands as a testament to American history and artistry.

Background and Conception

The idea for Mount Rushmore was conceived in the early 1920s by Doane Robinson, a South Dakota historian, who envisioned the project as a way to promote tourism in the region. Initially, Robinson considered carving figures of Western heroes, but sculptor Gutzon Borglum proposed a more national focus by selecting presidents who represented key aspects of American history.

Key Figures

• Gutzon Borglum: The chief sculptor, Borglum was an accomplished artist known for his work on the Confederate Memorial Carving on Stone Mountain in Georgia. He brought his vision and expertise to Mount Rushmore, ensuring the project had national significance.
• Lincoln Borglum: Gutzon’s son, who played a crucial role in the project’s completion, especially after his father’s death in March 1941.

Construction

Construction began on October 4, 1927, and involved over 400 workers. The process was arduous and dangerous, involving the removal of large amounts of rock using dynamite, followed by precise carving with drills and chisels. Despite the challenges, including funding issues and the Great Depression, the project continued with support from the federal government.

Significance of the Presidents

• George Washington: Chosen for his role as the nation’s founding father.
• Thomas Jefferson: Represented the expansion of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
• Theodore Roosevelt: Symbolized the development of the country and its industrial growth.
• Abraham Lincoln: Honored for his leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union.

Completion and Legacy

The completion of Mount Rushmore was marked by the cessation of work due to the onset of World War II and the death of Gutzon Borglum. Although the original plan included more detailed carvings down to the presidents’ waists, the project was declared finished in 1941.

Mount Rushmore has since become a symbol of American history and democracy, attracting millions of visitors annually. It stands as a tribute to the vision and perseverance of those who worked on it and remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in the United States.

Aftermath

The completion of Mount Rushmore marked a significant achievement in American art and engineering. It has sparked discussions about representation and the impact of such monuments on indigenous lands, as the Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota Sioux. These conversations continue to shape the narrative and interpretation of Mount Rushmore in contemporary society.