Mount Rushmore Presidents
Why did Gutzon Borglum, the visionary sculptor, choose the four faces that now grace Mount Rushmore? The answer lies in his belief that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt represented the most pivotal moments in the history of the United States, a bold statement etched in stone for generations to ponder.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a colossal sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota, stands as a testament to American ideals and the enduring power of art. The granite faces of four former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt gaze out across the landscape, each head approximately 60 feet tall. Carved into the southeastern face of the mountain, these monumental sculptures capture the attention of millions of visitors annually, becoming one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. The story of Mount Rushmore is not only about the presidents depicted, but also of politics, artistic vision, and the complex legacy of the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum.
The genesis of Mount Rushmore can be traced back to a vision. Borglum, the lead sculptor, was tasked with creating a monument that would draw tourists to the Black Hills region. He initially envisioned a project that would feature iconic figures of the Old West, a decision that would have included Lewis and Clark, Red Cloud, Sacagawea, John C. Fremont, and Crazy Horse. However, this was not the eventual selection. Borglum chose instead to depict four American presidents, each of whom he believed represented critical eras and moments in the nations history, a decision that would shape the very identity of the monument.
| President | Bio Data | Personal Information | Career and Professional Information | Link for Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington | Born: February 22, 1732, Westmoreland County, Virginia Died: December 14, 1799, Mount Vernon, Virginia | Married Martha Dandridge Custis No children | First President of the United States (1789-1797) Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War | White House Official Biography |
| Thomas Jefferson | Born: April 13, 1743, Shadwell, Virginia Died: July 4, 1826, Monticello, Virginia | Married Martha Wayles Skelton Children: Martha, Jane Randolph, unnamed son, Mary Wayles, Lucy Elizabeth, and another Lucy Elizabeth | Third President of the United States (1801-1809) Author of the Declaration of Independence Governor of Virginia | White House Official Biography |
| Abraham Lincoln | Born: February 12, 1809, Hodgenville, Kentucky Died: April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C. | Married Mary Todd Children: Robert Todd, Edward Baker, William Wallace, and Thomas "Tad" | Sixteenth President of the United States (1861-1865) Led the nation through the American Civil War Established the Secret Service on the day of his assassination | White House Official Biography |
| Theodore Roosevelt | Born: October 27, 1858, New York City, New York Died: January 6, 1919, Oyster Bay, New York | Married Alice Hathaway Lee, Edith Kermit Carow Children: Alice, Theodore Jr., Kermit, Ethel Carow, Archibald Bulloch, and Quentin | Twenty-sixth President of the United States (1901-1909) Expanded the role of the presidency Championed conservation efforts | White House Official Biography |
The selection process was, in itself, a reflection of Borglums perspective on American history. Washington, the first president, was chosen for his leadership in the founding of the nation. Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, was included for his role in articulating the ideals of liberty and self-governance. Lincoln, who guided the nation through the Civil War, was selected to represent the preservation of the Union. Finally, Roosevelt, with his progressive policies and expansionist vision, embodied the growth and development of the country in the early 20th century. Together, these four presidents were intended to embody the spirit of the United States and the key moments in its evolution.
The faces carved into Mount Rushmore, although representing the nation's past, offer a glimpse into the future, and a destination for those seeking education and adventure. The scale of the project was immense, with each sculpted head towering approximately 60 feet. The work, begun in 1927 and lasting until 1941, was a remarkable feat of engineering and artistry. The carving was carried out by over 400 sculptors, working under difficult conditions to transform the granite face of the mountain into a powerful symbol.
The project was not without its controversies. The Black Hills, considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux, were the site of the monument. The creation of Mount Rushmore, a project intended to promote tourism and national pride, ignited opposition from those who saw it as a desecration of a sacred space. The legacy of Mount Rushmore is complex, including the fact that Borglum himself had ties to the Ku Klux Klan, adding another layer of controversy to the monuments history.
The names of three of the presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln were clear from the beginning. Washington represented the nation's founding. Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, embodied the ideals of liberty. Lincoln, who had kept the country together during the Civil War, was an obvious choice. Roosevelt was a later addition, signifying the expansion of American power and influence in the world. These four individuals were chosen to symbolize the key moments and the defining characteristics of the United States.
The decision to depict these four specific presidents was not solely Borglum's. It was a collaborative effort, influenced by politics, funding, and the desire to create a monument of national significance. The sculptor's vision, however, shaped the final outcome. He wanted to create a monument that would be known on a national level and chose the presidents who he felt embodied the spirit of America.
Borglum's choice to reject the original plan, which included Lewis and Clark, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse, speaks volumes about his artistic perspective and his priorities. He wanted to honor the country's leaders and the crucial moments that had shaped the nation, and chose the figures that would best represent those eras. The four presidents chosen, from left to right, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, each contributed to preserving the country and expanding it.
The memorial offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into American heritage, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both education and adventure. The story of Mount Rushmore is a mix of presidents, politics, and an artist with ties to the Klan. It's a complex and controversial legacy.
Mount Rushmore is a testament to the vision of Gutzon Borglum. It has become one of the most recognizable monuments in the country, drawing millions of tourists each year. It is a place to explore the history of the United States, learn about the achievements, quotes, and legacies of the presidents, and to appreciate the beauty of the Black Hills. The memorial, even with its controversies, offers a glimpse into American heritage, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both education and adventure. The faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore, will continue to represent the founding, growth, preservation, and development of the country for generations to come.
