Mount Rushmore: History, Controversies, and Cultural Significance

MOUNT RUSHMORE

Mount Rushmore is one of the most massive granite monuments in American history. This monument symbolizes the ideals of freedom and democracy. This monument is featured with four majestic 60-fit figures (four significant U.S. presidents) such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Each president owned a historic profile in American history: symbolizing the nation's founding, expansion, perseveration, and development. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, USA. 

History of Mount Rushmore

The idea for developing this sculpture was proposed in 1920 by historian Doane Robinson to promote tourism in South Dakota. It was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borgulm. It took 14 years to complete this project or sculpture (October 4, 1927 to October 31, 1941). The sculptor has chosen Mount Rushmore because it faces southeast and would have maximum sun exposure. Peter Norbeck (U.S. Senator from South Dakota) helped by securing federal funding as well as sponsoring the project. This sculpture is called the Shrine of Democracy. This sculpture reminds the crucial roles of those four commemorated leaders in preserving and uniting the country during pivotal moments in American history. To be more specific:

George Washington was known as the first president of the American Revolution. He represents the birth of the nation and the establishment of democratic governance. 

Thomas Jefferson is known for the expansion of the United States and the spreading of democratic ideals.

Theodore Roosevelt symbolizes the development of the nation as well as the balancing of industrial growth with democratic values. Further, he is well known for his progressive policies and efforts in conversation. 

Abraham Lincoln unforgettable name for the United States because he preserved the nation during the Civil War and ended slavery. He enforced to ensure equality and democracy within the nation.   

Technical Details

The first challenge for this project was to remove large amounts of rock from the mountain. So, the sculptor decided to use dynamite, and 90% mountain was removed through dynamite. That faster the work of monument or sculpture. Besides, the sculptor used detailed carving techniques to remove precise amounts of stone. Over 400 workers have worked on this project. Jackhammers and pneumatic drills were used to draw the shapes and refine the details of the faces. The workers also used a pointing machine to ensure accurate scaling for the sculpture. This machine allowed workers to transfer the measurements from small models to the large rock face accurately. 

Controversies Surrounding Mount Rushmore

The Black Hills are taken from the Lakota Sioux in the 1870s, known as the Paha Sapa. The government of the U.S. took that land after the discovery of gold, though the land was promised to them in the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). Later, in this land the sculpture known as the Shrine of Democracy was built that was illegal. Though the Sioux demanded to get back their land, it wouldn't happen. By considering the protest, the US Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians that decided to award $102 million to the tribe as compensation, not land. But the Sioux refused the money because they argued that this land had become worth billions of dollars and still demanded the land return. Thus, the conflict continues and refers to the monument as the "Shrine of Hypocrisy". 

Though the monument represents the four famous figures, it also gave birth to a cultural controversy like just focusing on predominantly white, male leaders and overlooking the contributions and perspectives of other groups. 

Cultural Significance of Mount Rushmore

Tourism and Economic Impact

Mount Rushmore is known as a national memorial center and now it is a major tourist destination in the U.S. Mount Rushmore has separated itself from other national monuments in its 'environment of wilderness.' Annually, over 2 million visitors or tourists are spotted there. It not only represents the history of the US but also significantly contributes to South Dakota's economy. The attraction of Mount Rushmore is Benjamin Black Elk who was known as the "Fifth Face of Mount Rushmore" and thousands of tourists come daily to take photographs. According to the South Dakota State Historical Society, he was one of the most photographed people in the world over those 20 years. 

Cultural Representation

The Mount Rushmore is representing the American culture as ingenuity, determination, and the historical progress of the United States. Further, some education programs are running surrounding Mount Rushmore to educate people across the world about American history, presidential legacies, and the nation's development. Multiple films, comic books, and television series were inspired by Mount Rushmore like Team America: World Police, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Superman II, etc. 

Mount Rushmore remains a complex symbol of American history, embodying both national pride and the fraught legacy of the United States' expansion and treatment of Native American peoples. Its history, construction, and ongoing controversies reflect broader themes of American identity, historical memory, and cultural reconciliation.