The Presidents of Mount Rushmore: Who Made the Cut?

A Brief History of Mount Rushmore and its Creation

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into the granite face of a mountain located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, USA. The monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was the brainchild of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who began working on the project in 1927 and continued until his death in 1941. Borglum was assisted by his son, Lincoln Borglum, who took over the project after his father’s death and oversaw its completion in 1941.

The idea for the Mount Rushmore project was conceived in the early 1920s by South Dakota state historian, Doane Robinson. Robinson wanted to create a monument that would attract tourists to the state, and he enlisted Borglum to help bring his vision to life. Borglum chose the site of Mount Rushmore because of the quality of the granite and its location in the Black Hills, which he believed was the perfect backdrop for the monument.

Construction of the monument was a massive undertaking that required a great deal of planning and preparation. The faces of the presidents were carved into the mountain using a combination of dynamite and pneumatic drills. The work was extremely dangerous, and several workers were injured or killed during the construction process.

Despite the challenges, Mount Rushmore has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The monument is a testament to the vision and perseverance of its creators and serves as a powerful reminder of the important role that these four presidents played in shaping American history.

The Four Presidents Chosen for Mount Rushmore

The four U.S. presidents featured on Mount Rushmore were selected for their contributions to the country and their lasting impact on American history. Each president represents a different era and embodies a unique set of values and ideals.

George Washington was the first president of the United States and is widely regarded as the father of our country. He led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War and played a key role in the formation of the United States as a democratic republic.

Thomas Jefferson is known for his contributions to the Declaration of Independence, which he authored, and for his advocacy of individual liberty and democracy. He was also the third president of the United States and played a pivotal role in the expansion of the country through the Louisiana Purchase.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is best known for his leadership during the Civil War. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves in Confederate territory to be free, and helped to preserve the Union during a time of great turmoil and division.

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States and is known for his advocacy of conservation and the environment. He was also a champion of progressive reforms and played a key role in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Together, these four presidents represent some of the most significant moments and movements in American history. Their faces carved into the mountain serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of their contributions to the nation.

George Washington: The Father of Our Country

George Washington was the first president of the United States and played a crucial role in the country’s early history. He was a key figure in the American Revolution and helped to secure the country’s independence from Great Britain.

Washington was born in Virginia in 1732 and grew up on a plantation. He began his military career at the age of 21 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He led the army to several important victories during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Yorktown, which effectively ended the war.

After the war, Washington was instrumental in the formation of the United States government. He presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was unanimously elected as the country’s first president in 1789. During his presidency, he established many of the institutions and precedents that would shape the future of the United States, including the creation of the Cabinet and the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

Washington is often referred to as the “father of our country” because of his key role in the founding of the United States. His face is prominently featured on Mount Rushmore as a testament to his lasting legacy and the important role he played in shaping American history.

Thomas Jefferson: The Author of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He was born in Virginia in 1743 and was a prolific writer, lawyer, and politician.

Jefferson is perhaps best known for his contributions to the Declaration of Independence, which he wrote in 1776. The document declared the United States to be a sovereign nation and asserted that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

In addition to his role as a writer and statesman, Jefferson was also a prominent farmer, inventor, and architect. He designed his own home, Monticello, which is now a National Historic Landmark.

Jefferson served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. During his presidency, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and championed the concept of democracy and individual liberty.

Jefferson’s face is one of four that is featured on Mount Rushmore as a tribute to his many contributions to American history and his enduring legacy as a key figure in the founding of the United States.

Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest leaders. He was born in Kentucky in 1809 and was largely self-educated.

Lincoln is perhaps best known for his leadership during the Civil War, which he guided the Union to victory. He is also known for his role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be freed.

In addition to his role as a statesman, Lincoln was also a skilled lawyer and a gifted orator. His speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, are considered among the greatest in American history.

Lincoln’s presidency was cut short when he was assassinated in 1865, just a few weeks after the end of the Civil War. However, his enduring legacy as a champion of freedom and equality has continued to inspire generations of Americans.

Lincoln’s face is prominently featured on Mount Rushmore as a tribute to his many contributions to American history and his enduring legacy as the “Great Emancipator” who helped to shape the course of the country’s future.