BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Mount Rushmore National Memorial MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL AMERICA’S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY Gazing over the Black Hills, four U.S. presidents stand for hope, determination and the spirit of our nation. A HISTORICAL CHALLENGE Between Oct. 4, 1927, and Oct. 31, 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the colossal faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln to represent the fi st 150 years of the great experiment in democracy that is America. But Borglum faced monumental obstacles in pursuit of his dream. Harsh winters and inadequate funding often stalled progress. In fact, Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands not only as a rock-solid reminder of our national pride but as a monument to the patriotism and determination of a sculptor and the local crew of miners he guided in carving a mountain into one of the great wonders of the world. Borglum’s vision was considered an unrealistic fantasy by many of his contemporaries. Although the original concept of a large sculpture came from the well-respected SD State Historian Doane Robinson in 1923, when Borglum announced plans a few years later to actually begin the monument, the local citizens were not particularly supportive. By the time the memorial was completed, the naysayers’ skepticism had been transformed into the wonder and amazement that continues to this day. 84 // #DiscoverBlackHills At fi st, everyone is in-awe by the size of the sculpture. The faces of the four presidents tower 5,500 feet above sea level and are scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall. Next, visitors see it as a work of art. Borglum’s artistic genius is apparent in the placement of the faces, as the sun’s passage creates ever-changing shadows that bring mobility and fluidi y to the monument. PLAN YOUR VISIT More than 3 million visitors travel from around the world to experience the wonder of the mountain carving, and to immerse themselves in the human history and the breathtaking natural surroundings of the Black Hills. In 2019, the memorial will be undergoing some outstanding upgrades that will elevate visitors’ experiences for generations to come. The memorial will remain open to visitors during construction. Find parking readily available in the memorial’s parking complex. Fees apply. The fi st stop for many visitors is the Information Center, located just inside the entrance. Here, park rangers can answer your questions and you’ll find the times of special cultural events, educational programs, guided walks and Ranger Talks.
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019: Page 84
