Mount Rushmore: A Monumental Symbol of American History

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an iconic sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. It features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The monument was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the United States' independence and to honor the four presidents who played key roles in shaping the nation's history.

President	Term in Office	Accomplishments
George Washington	1789-1797	First president of the United States, led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War
Thomas Jefferson	1801-1809	Third president of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence
Theodore Roosevelt	1901-1909	Twenty-sixth president of the United States, known for his "big stick" diplomacy and conservation efforts
Abraham Lincoln	1861-1865	Sixteenth president of the United States, led the Union to victory in the American Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation

Benefits of Visiting Mount Rushmore

Visiting Mount Rushmore is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy:

Witness a national treasure: Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic sculptures in the world. Seeing it in person is a truly unforgettable experience.

Learn about American history: The monument provides a unique opportunity to learn about the lives and accomplishments of four of the most influential presidents in American history.

Enjoy the outdoors: Mount Rushmore is located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. There are plenty of hiking trails and other outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.

How to Visit Mount Rushmore

Visiting Mount Rushmore is relatively easy. The monument is open to the public year-round, and there is no charge to enter. Here are a few tips for planning your visit:

Plan your visit in advance: Mount Rushmore is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to plan your visit in advance. Check the National Park Service website for information on hours of operation, seasonal events, and special programs.

Allow plenty of time: Give yourself plenty of time to explore Mount Rushmore. There are several different viewing areas, and you'll want to take your time to enjoy the views and learn about the monument.

Bring a picnic lunch: There are several picnic areas located near Mount Rushmore. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while you're taking in the views.

Stories About Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore has been the subject of many stories and legends over the years. Here are a few of our favorites:

The carving of Mount Rushmore was a massive undertaking: The sculpture was carved over a period of 14 years, from 1927 to 1941. The workers used dynamite and other tools to blast away the granite and create the faces of the presidents.

The presidents were originally supposed to be carved from head to toe: Sculptor Gutzon Borglum originally planned to carve the presidents from head to toe. However, this plan was abandoned due to the difficulty of carving into the granite.

Mount Rushmore is a popular tourist destination: Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Over 2 million people visit the monument each year.

Effective Strategies for Visiting Mount Rushmore

If you're planning to visit Mount Rushmore, here are a few tips to help you maximize your experience:

Visit during the off-season: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Mount Rushmore during the off-season (October through April).

Take a guided tour: Guided tours are available at Mount Rushmore. These tours provide a great way to learn about the monument and its history.

Bring your binoculars: Bring a pair of binoculars so you can get a closer look at the presidents' faces.

Take your time: Don't rush your visit to Mount Rushmore. Take your time to enjoy the views and learn about the monument.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when visiting Mount Rushmore:

Don't visit during the summer: Mount Rushmore is a popular tourist destination during the summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season (October through April).

Don't be late: The monument closes at 5pm every day. Make sure you arrive well before closing time so you have enough time to explore.

Don't litter: Mount Rushmore is a national park. Please help keep it clean by not littering.

FAQs About Mount Rushmore

Here are a few frequently asked questions about Mount Rushmore:

How big is Mount Rushmore? Mount Rushmore is 60 feet tall and 465 feet wide.

How long did it take to carve Mount Rushmore? The sculpture was carved over a period of 14 years, from 1927 to 1941.

How much did it cost to carve Mount Rushmore? The total cost of carving Mount Rushmore was $989,992.

Conclusion

Mount Rushmore is a truly awe-inspiring sight. If you're ever planning a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota, be sure to add Mount Rushmore to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed.

Mount Rushmore: A Monumental Symbol of American History