Location: United States South Dakota Pennington County
Four 18-metre presidential heads carved into the granite of the Black Hills in South Dakota – one of the best-known monuments in the USA, and a contested site on Lakota land.
Interesting facts
- Each of the four heads is about 18 metres (60 feet) tall.
- Although about 400 workers took part, there was no fatal accident.
- Work ended in 1941 because the money ran out.
- The Lakota call the mountain Six Grandfathers Mountain.
Why visit
- One of the best-known monuments in the USA
- Impressive sculpture carved in granite
- A place where American history and Lakota history meet
Mount Rushmore National Memorial lies in the Black Hills of South Dakota, about three kilometres southwest of the town of Keystone. Carved into the granite of the mountain are the heads of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each head is about 18 metres (60 feet) tall.
The sculptor Gutzon Borglum directed the work from 1927 to 1941, assisted by his son Lincoln Borglum. Blasting and carving began on 4 October 1927 and ended on 31 October 1941, when the money ran out. About 400 workers took part, and there was not a single fatal accident. Borglum also planned a Hall of Records behind the heads; the tunnel was cut about 21 metres into the rock before work stopped in 1939. Since 1998 a time capsule has lain at its entrance.
The Lakota call the mountain Tȟuŋkášila Šákpe Pahá, usually translated as Six Grandfathers Mountain. The Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868 recognised the Black Hills as Lakota land; in 1980 the US Supreme Court ruled that the Sioux had not been justly compensated for it. The Sioux refuse a monetary settlement and want the land returned. The memorial has been managed by the National Park Service since 1933 and receives more than two million visitors a year.
History
Carved 1927–1941 under Gutzon Borglum (from 4 October 1927 until 31 October 1941, when funding ran out), about 400 workers and no fatal accident. Managed by the National Park Service since 1933. Hall of Records left unfinished in 1939, time capsule in 1998. Lakota land claim based on the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), Supreme Court ruling in 1980.
Special features
Four presidential heads about 18 metres high (Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Lincoln) in the granite of the Black Hills; unfinished Hall of Records with a time capsule.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Travellers in the Black Hills, visitors interested in history, families.
- Getting there
- In the Black Hills, about three kilometres southwest of Keystone (South Dakota). Managed by the National Park Service; please check current opening hours and fees with the National Park Service.
Details may change. Please check current information with the operator before your visit.
Map
Opens an external route planner. Please check access and opening times before you set off.
Sources
- Wikipedia (en): Mount Rushmore
- National Park Service: Mount Rushmore – History & Culture
- Wikidata: Q49529132
Image: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
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