Why Was Mount Rushmore Made Unveiling The Monuments Purpose

The towering granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln gaze across the Black Hills of South Dakota, carved into the side of a mountain over 75 years ago. Mount Rushmore is more than a national landmark—it’s a symbol of American ideals, ambition, and identity. But why was Mount Rushmore made? The answer lies not just in artistry or engineering, but in a deliberate effort to shape national memory, promote regional development, and inspire unity during a time of social transformation.

Understanding the purpose of Mount Rushmore requires stepping back into the early 20th century—a period marked by industrial growth, westward expansion, and a growing need for shared national narratives. The monument was never just about honoring presidents; it was conceived as a statement of values: leadership, democracy, expansion, and preservation of the Union.

The Origins of a Monumental Idea

The idea for Mount Rushmore began not with a government initiative, but with a regional historian named Doane Robinson. In 1923, Robinson, the state historian of South Dakota, sought a way to boost tourism in the remote Black Hills. He envisioned massive carvings of Western heroes—figures like Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea, or Crazy Horse—etched into the region’s granite cliffs. His goal was simple: attract visitors and put South Dakota on the map.

Robinson approached sculptor Gutzon Borglum, a Danish-American artist known for his grand public works and strong nationalist views. Borglum rejected the idea of Western figures, arguing that only individuals of national significance could justify such a colossal undertaking. Instead, he proposed carving the faces of four U.S. presidents who embodied the founding, expansion, preservation, and development of the United States.

“America has no place for men who fear their past.” — Gutzon Borglum

Borglum saw Mount Rushmore not as mere tourism bait, but as a “shrine of democracy”—a visual declaration of America’s enduring principles. With federal support secured in 1925, construction began in 1927 and continued for 14 years, involving over 400 workers using dynamite, jackhammers, and hand tools to shape the mountain.

The Purpose Behind the Presidents

Each president selected for Mount Rushmore represents a foundational pillar of American history:

• George Washington – Symbolizes the birth of the nation and the establishment of democratic governance.
• Thomas Jefferson – Represents westward expansion and the philosophical foundation of liberty, notably through the Louisiana Purchase.
• Theodore Roosevelt – Embodies the rise of American power in the 20th century, conservation efforts, and progressive reform.
• Abraham Lincoln – Stands for the preservation of the Union and the moral struggle against slavery.

Borglum deliberately chose these four to tell a story of national evolution—from revolution and independence, through territorial growth, to unity and modernization. As he stated, the monument was meant to “convey to future generations an exalted sentiment of the continuity of our institutions.”

Tip: When visiting Mount Rushmore, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture clearer views during optimal lighting.

A Timeline of Construction and Challenges

The creation of Mount Rushmore was neither quick nor easy. Below is a key timeline outlining major milestones and obstacles faced during its development:

1. 1923: Doane Robinson proposes the idea of large-scale mountain carvings in the Black Hills.
2. 1925: Gutzon Borglum selects Mount Rushmore and secures federal funding and approval.
3. 1927: Excavation begins on October 4; initial work focuses on Washington’s face.
4. 1930: Washington’s face is completed and unveiled to the public.
5. 1936: Jefferson’s face is dedicated after overcoming design challenges due to poor rock quality.
6. 1937: Lincoln’s face is finished; Congress debates expanding the monument to include Susan B. Anthony (bill fails).
7. 1939: Roosevelt’s face is completed, marking the final presidential bust.
8. 1941: Work halts abruptly due to Borglum’s death in March and World War II funding shifts.

The original vision included full-body statues and an entablature inscribed with key documents. These plans were never realized. What stands today is unfinished by design—but still powerful in impact.

Cultural Controversy and Indigenous Perspectives

While Mount Rushmore is celebrated by many as a patriotic icon, it remains deeply controversial among Native American communities. The Black Hills, known as Pahá Sápa in Lakota, are sacred land seized from the Sioux Nation in violation of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that the taking of the land was illegal and awarded financial compensation, which the tribes have refused, demanding instead the return of the territory.

For many Lakota people, Mount Rushmore is not a symbol of freedom, but of colonialism and erasure. As activist Russell Means once said:

“To us, Mount Rushmore is the most sacred of places, desecrated by the likenesses of men who signed treaties they didn’t honor.” — Russell Means, Oglala Lakota Activist

This duality underscores a broader tension in American heritage: whose history gets memorialized, and at what cost? Recognizing this complexity is essential to understanding the full meaning of the monument.

Practical Guide: Visiting Mount Rushmore Today

Mount Rushmore National Memorial welcomes nearly 3 million visitors annually. To make the most of your visit, consider the following checklist:

Checklist: Planning Your Visit to Mount Rushmore

• Check the National Park Service website for operating hours and special events.
• Attend the evening lighting ceremony (available seasonally).
• Walk the Presidential Trail for up-close views and historical plaques.
• Visit the on-site museum to learn about the sculpture’s construction and context.
• Respect nearby tribal lands and cultural sites—avoid climbing restricted areas.

Do’s and Don’ts at Mount Rushmore

Do’s	Don’ts
Photograph from the Grand View Terrace for the classic wide-angle shot.	Drone fly over the monument—strictly prohibited.
Learn about the Lakota perspective at nearby visitor centers or tribal museums.	Ignore signage or trespass on closed trails.
Attend ranger-led programs for deeper historical insight.	Vandalize or deface any part of the site.
Support local Indigenous artisans by purchasing authentic crafts.	Assume the monument tells a complete version of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Mount Rushmore fully completed?

No. Gutzon Borglum originally planned to carve the presidents from head to waist and include a grand hall of records. Only the faces were finished before work stopped in 1941.

Why were these four presidents chosen?

Borglum selected them to represent four pillars of American history: nation-building (Washington), expansion (Jefferson), conservation and global influence (Roosevelt), and unity (Lincoln).

Is Mount Rushmore on Native American land?

Yes. The Black Hills were guaranteed to the Lakota Sioux under the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The area was taken by force after gold was discovered, and the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed the seizure was illegal in 1980.

Conclusion: Beyond the Stone Faces

Mount Rushmore was made not just to honor four presidents, but to project a narrative of American greatness—one rooted in progress, resilience, and national unity. Yet its legacy is layered. It stands as both an engineering marvel and a contested symbol, reflecting the complexities of how nations remember their past.

To understand why Mount Rushmore was made is to confront both pride and pain—the ambition to create enduring symbols, and the cost those symbols sometimes carry. Whether viewed as a shrine of democracy or a monument to conquest, it invites reflection on who we choose to honor, and why.

💬 What does Mount Rushmore mean to you? Share your thoughts on its purpose, legacy, and place in American culture. Let’s foster a conversation that honors all perspectives.