15 Curious Details About the Building of Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in America, drawing millions of visitors annually. The fascinating stories and information concealed beneath the gorgeous faces carved into the granite, however, are not well known.
From the challenges faced during construction to some surprising facts about the sculptor, Mount Rushmore is full of surprises. It’s easy to consider Mount Rushmore to be just a piece of art, but the many facets that went into making this national treasure only serve to highlight how amazing it is.
Let’s explore 15 intriguing facts concerning the creation of Mount Rushmore in more depth.
The Idea Came From a Man With a Big Vision
The idea for Mount Rushmore was first proposed by a South Dakota historian named Doane Robinson. He thought a giant sculpture in the Black Hills would boost tourism in the area.
Robinson originally wanted the figures to be famous Western heroes, but sculptor Gutzon Borglum convinced him that four U.S. presidents would be a better fit for the project’s grand vision.
Borglum Had a Grand Plan From the Start
The project’s artist, Gutzon Borglum, had a distinct idea from the start. He intended for the sculpture to be observable from a considerable distance and to represent American history.
In order to symbolize various periods of American history, Borglum’s proposal called for carving the heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Construction Was Not Smooth Sailing
Building Mount Rushmore was not an easy task. The construction began in 1927, but it was plagued with delays, weather issues, and funding problems.
Borglum’s vision was so ambitious that the project took far longer than expected, and it wasn’t completed until 1941, right before Borglum passed away.
The Faces Were Not Finished As Originally Planned
The original plan intended for each president’s full figure, not simply their faces. Each president would be carved from head to waist, with hands and other details, according to Borglum’s concept.
Unfortunately, budget shortages prevented the project from ever being finished, and Lincoln Borglum, Borglum’s son, had to complete what remained.
The Sculptor’s Son Took Over After His Death
Lincoln Borglum, Gutzon Borglum’s son, took on the task of completing the monument when his father passed away in 1941. Lincoln assisted in completing the finishing touches after working side by side with his father during the building process.
He ensured that the project was completed in spite of the difficulties, albeit not precisely as his father had intended.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Mount Rushmore Was Built By A Small Team
While Mount Rushmore may seem like a massive undertaking, it was created by a relatively small team. Around 400 workers were involved in the construction process, with many of them working as miners, laborers, and carvers.
The work was extremely dangerous, and there were several accidents, though miraculously no one died during the project.
Workers Used Dynamite for The Heavy Lifting
To carve the massive granite faces, workers used dynamite to remove large chunks of rock before fine-tuning the details with smaller tools. Around 90% of the material was removed with dynamite, while the rest was carefully shaped using chisels, hammers, and smaller explosives.
The Project Was Funded Through Federal Government Support
At first, donations and private investors provided the funding for Mount Rushmore. However, as expenses increased, federal funds were finally allocated to continue the project.
During the Great Depression, the project’s funding significantly increased because it was thought to be a means of giving the local people jobs.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Weather Conditions Delayed Construction
The construction of Mount Rushmore was complicated by its location high in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The work was often delayed by severe weather, such as extreme heat in the summer and heavy snow in the winter.
The project took longer than expected since workers had to put up with erratic conditions.
Borglum’s Vision Was Inspired By European Monuments
European structures, especially those in Italy, where life-size statues were typical, served as inspiration for Borglum. He intended Mount Rushmore to represent the might and character of the United States and to be on par with other monuments in size and significance.
The monument’s striking design reflects this European influence.
The Granite Was Perfect for Carving
The monument’s material, granite, was selected due to its longevity and ability to endure weather conditions for many centuries. Granite of the highest caliber was found in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, which was perfect for the enormous sculptures.
Despite its hardness, granite is also reasonably easy to cut, enabling detailed work.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Mount Rushmore Was Almost Never Built
At one point, the project almost ended due to a lack of funding and political pushback. There were also concerns about how the construction might affect the local Native American tribes, who considered the Black Hills sacred land.
Despite these challenges, Mount Rushmore was eventually completed, largely due to Gutzon Borglum’s persistence.
Borglum Had His Own Controversial Past
Gutzon Borglum was a controversial figure due to his ties with the Ku Klux Klan. He briefly worked with the Klan in the early 1920s while promoting his vision for Mount Rushmore, but his involvement with the group was short-lived.
Many have criticized his association with the Klan, but it’s important to note that it was not a major part of his later life or the project’s completion.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Sculptor Worked on Other Monumental Projects
Before Mount Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum worked on several other significant sculptures. One of his most famous early works was the Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia, which was also designed to honor Confederate figures.
His experience with large-scale projects helped him bring his vision for Mount Rushmore to life.
The Presidents Were Chosen for Specific Reasons
Each president was selected to represent a different aspect of American history. Washington symbolizes the birth of the nation, Jefferson represents the expansion of the country, Roosevelt reflects the development of American industry and global influence, and Lincoln symbolizes the preservation of the nation during the Civil War.
A Monument with Many Layers
Although Mount Rushmore is a symbol of American aspiration and resourcefulness, the history of its construction is equally as remarkable as the monument itself. The building of Mount Rushmore demonstrates the intricacy of this national monument, from the hardships of its creators to the political and cultural obstacles encountered during the process.
In addition to being a stunning piece of art, it now represents tenacity, history, and commitment.
More from Go2Tutors!
- 18 Unexpectedly Valuable Collectibles You Might Have Lying Around
- 20 Little-Known Historical Battles That Had Huge Consequences
- 20 Historical Artifacts That Scientists Can’t Explain
- 20 Cars That Were Banned from the Roads (and Why)
- 20 Discontinued Snacks from the 70s and 80s That We Still Miss
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
