The
ultimate national monument, Mt. Rushmore is a wonder to behold. Originally
envisioned as a reminder of western heroes, it evolved into the most
recognizable work of art in the country.
The man behind the giant sculpture was Gutzen Borglum who was 60 years
old when he started the project, after many years as a well-known and
respected sculptor. He faced many setbacks during the 14 years of work
on the mountain, yet the end result amazes millions of visitors each
year.
Before carving could begin, 100 feet of surface rock was removed to
get to suitable carving granite. After work on Thomas Jefferson's likeness
began, the rock became unworkable, and a problem of a sloping forehead
from the use of too much dynamite made it necessary for the face to
be blasted away. The original model had Jefferson on the other side
of Washington, and Roosevelt was added only in later models, and after
some controversy as to whether or not he was appropriate to include
with the presidents of much earlier generations. In all, Borglum sculpted
12 models as conditions in the rock were discovered and plans had to
change.
Some more interesting facts about the project: Although 340 men worked
on this dangerous endeavor, there were no deaths and only a few injuries.
Each face is 60-70 feet tall (as high as a 5-story building!). If they
were complete figures, each man would be a towering 465 feet. Lincoln's
eyes are 10 feet across, his mouth 21 feet wide, his nose 21 feet long,
and even the sparkle of his eye an astonishing 16 feet square by 30
feet long (an innovative addition from Borglum's creative mind). Over
450,000 tons of rock were removed from the mountain. The cost of the
project was $980,000. Carving began on August 10, 1927 and ended in
September of 1941, six months after Borglum's death.
Faces
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for more faces) 
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Curious
George and the Hot Air Balloon 
Rushmore 