Mount Rushmore

We have been in South Dakota for a couple of weeks and have seen some of the famous attractions.   We took a tour to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake.  The tour also included breakfast and a chuck-wagon dinner and show.  It was a long day but a great way to see some of the sites and have someone else do the driving.   We thoroughly enjoyed Mount Rushmore.  One of the places you read about and see pictures, but are in awe to look up at this monumental exhibit...we couldn't believe we were really there

Mount Rushmore National Memorial.  A 14 year project by 400 workers, men and women, mostly from the local area.  The work was hard, the hours long, the pay low and periods of employment uncertain.  They started work at 7:30 am and before they could begin, they had to climb the torturous stairway of over 700 steps to the top of the mountain.   Once they reached the top they were strapped into swing seats and lowered over the face of the mountain while managing the heavy drilling tools and blasting equipment.

Why were these four presidents chosen?

George Washington...Birth of the Republic President.    His image signifies the struggle for independence and the birth of the Republic.

Thomas Jefferson....The Expansion President.    Responsible for the territorial expansion of our country.

Theodore Roosevelt,  The Development President responsible for
the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs and the rights of the common man.

Abraham Lincoln...The Preservation President.  Instrumental in the permanent union of the States and  equality for all citizens.

Viewed from a distance.  The carving by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, began in 1927 and was completed in 1941 at a total cost of $989,992.32.    The rock is Harney Peak granite and  dynamite was used for 90% of the stone removal. 

We were 2 of the 3 million annual visitors that come to view this majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota.


Hope all is well!