Fascinating Facts About Mount Rushmore: America’s Colossal Monument!
🇺🇸 Uncover the jaw-dropping secrets behind America’s most iconic monument! Your view of Mount Rushmore will never be the same. 🗿 #MountRushmore #SouthDakota #Facts
KEYSTONE, SD – Imagine a mountain transformed into a colossal work of art, its face forever changed by the vision of a few determined individuals. Mount Rushmore, an iconic symbol of American history and pride, holds within its granite walls a treasure trove of fascinating secrets and surprising facts.
From its humble beginnings as a tourist attraction idea to its status as a national monument, the story of Mount Rushmore is as captivating as the massive presidential faces that gaze out over the Black Hills of South Dakota.
As we delve into the lesser-known aspects of this monumental achievement, prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of ambition, the challenges overcome, and the unexpected twists that shaped one of America’s most recognizable landmarks. Let’s embark on a journey through time and stone, uncovering the hidden history and remarkable details that make Mount Rushmore a true wonder of the modern world.
🇺🇸 Facts About Mount Rushmore
A South Dakota historian named Doane Robinson conceived the idea for the sculpture in 1923.
Initially, the faces planned for Mount Rushmore were not those of presidents. Robinson’s original vision included Western figures such as Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud, American soldier and showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and explorers Lewis and Clark. Additionally, he intended for the sculptures to be carved on the nearby Needles, a series of stone pinnacles.
➡️ RELATED: Fascinating Facts About The Fourth Of July That Will Make You Proud To Be An American
The granite that makes up Mount Rushmore erodes at a rate of approximately one inch every 10,000 years.
The entire project spanned 14 years and cost a total of $989,992.32.
The initial design called for the presidential figures to be depicted from head to waist.
Mount Rushmore attracts roughly 3 million visitors each year.
Work on the Mount Rushmore carvings began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.
➡️ RELATED: The BEST Fourth Of July Jokes: Light Up Your Independence Day With Laughter!
Before its current name, the mountain was known by various monikers, including the Keystone Cliffs, Sugarloaf Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and Slaughterhouse Mountain.
The team responsible for carving Mount Rushmore consisted of over 400 individuals.
Robinson’s primary motivation for the project was to increase tourism in South Dakota.
George Washington, who served as president from 1789 to 1797, was selected for his role as the nation’s ‘Founding Father.’
➡️ RELATED: Fascinating Facts About The Statue Of Liberty: America’s Beloved Symbol Of Freedom!
Renowned sculptor Gutzon Borglum emphasized the national significance of the monument, leading to the decision to carve the faces of presidents.
The Lakota people referred to the mountain chosen by Borglum as the ‘Six Grandfathers.’
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was chosen due to his contributions to the nation’s industrial growth.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) earned his place on the monument for his role in the Louisiana Purchase and authorship of the Declaration of Independence.
Each presidential visage on Mount Rushmore measures 60 feet in height.
Explosives were used to remove 90% of the rock during the carving process. Subsequently, workers removed over 450,000 tons of rock from the exterior and performed detailed carving to achieve a smooth surface comparable to a concrete sidewalk.
Remarkably, no deaths were recorded during the construction of Mount Rushmore.
The monument is illuminated for two hours each evening.
The busiest months for visitors are June, July, and August, while May, September, and October see fewer crowds, making them popular times to visit.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially recognized the site as ‘Mount Rushmore’ in 1930.
➡️ RELATED: Who Is The REAL Uncle Sam? The Mysterious Origins Of America’s Patriotic Hero
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was selected for the monument due to his leadership during the Civil War.
From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a prominent Lakota holy man named Ben Black Elk personally greeted visitors to Mount Rushmore.
Borglum sought to create something more grandiose than the Needles. While he shared Robinson’s goal of attracting tourists, Borglum envisioned a project that would draw people from around the world. The sculptor set his sights on carving an entire mountain.
➡️ RELATED: Let’s Explore Mount Rushmore and Pactola Lake in South Dakota
🇺🇸 Mount Rushmore Continues To Inspire
Mount Rushmore stands not only as a testament to American history but also as a monument to human ambition and perseverance. From its conception in the mind of a visionary historian to its completion by a dedicated team of workers, this colossal sculpture has captivated the imagination of millions for nearly a century.
As we reflect on the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind its creation, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and artistry involved in carving a legacy in stone. Mount Rushmore continues to inspire and awe visitors from around the world, inviting us all to ponder the great achievements of the past and the endless possibilities of the future.
➡️ RELATED: Bizarre, Quirky And Totally Fun Adventures In South Dakota: Mount Rushmore State Marvels!
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
🗣 We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you! ⬇️
