Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Depiction of America’s History

America has one of the glorious histories, of freedom struggle to its pinnacle reaching democracy. And the amazing feat that America has achieved, it is because of the great leaderships under great presidents. Paying homage, respect and giving these great personalities their reverence a monument has been made. Mount Rushmore National Memorial depicts meaning of the America.

A state’s historian wanted a sculpture which originally depicted Indian leaders and more of American explorers who have shaped the frontier. But the sculpture who had been asked to work on this project, GUtzon Borglum rather wanted a sculpture which depicted meaning of the America. Hence he decided and chose four United States of America’s Presidents who are known to be pillars of America’s glory:-

George Washington- depicts the meaning “birth of the country”

Thomas Jefferson- depicts the meaning “expansion of the country”

Abraham Lincoln- depicts the meaning “preservation of the country”

Theodore Roosevelt- depicts the meaning “development of the country”

Heads on the mountain were carved through dynamite. Ninety percentage of work was done so.  President Washington’s head was completed in three years, then President Thomas Jefferson head was made on right of Washington’s head, but after 18 months had to be blasted and then again made in the left side. And so on all four heads were made, and so dedicated and completed in different times. Mount Rushmore monument took some fourteen years in all to get complete, started in fall of year 1927. Now every year, staff repels on the monument to check and caulk cracks if any.

The park has no entrance fee, but there is parking fee. Park is open all year round and only on Christmas that is on December 25th its close.

Weather is highly variable, that is it changes quickly, hence it’s advisable to check on the weather condition before deciding to visit the monument. Also there is no facility of overnight camping.

Location:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is situated in Keystone, of South Dakota. Monument is surrounded by lush green of the Black Hills National Forest. Other than the monument sightseeing, there is other unique experience of all year round for soaking up history, have exciting outdoor adventures, in and the surrounding area.

At park there are tours- self or guided tours which are available. Here you can also see the exhibits and artefacts at the Lincoln Borglum Museum and also at Sculpture’s Studio. Guided tours are given by staff rangers.

Also you can take stroll in the Avenue of Flags. This spot has flags which represent 56 states and the territories that are lining walkway. If you are visiting in the evening, in May to September, then you get to see the awesome sight of Memorial in the twilight sky and light at the amphitheatre In Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony. Its so amazing view of sky.  Hours of Operation:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Visitors Services- open all year round.

Visitor Services: closed on December 25th.

Carvers Café:

Summer: Daily 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Gift Shop:

Open daily all year: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Day – Labor Day: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Activities at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial:

At different locations many activities are available in Mount Rushmore National Memorial and many around the sights place such as:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Junior Ranger Programs
• Interpretive Programs
• Nearby Activities
• Fishing
• Technical Climbing
• Horseback Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Geocaching
• Rockhounding
• Camping

Mount Rushmore National Memorial holds significance to every American and its must visit place.