Mount Rushmore

Definition

Mount Rushmore is a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of a mountain in South Dakota, depicting the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This iconic artwork serves as a national monument and reflects America's cultural and national identity, symbolizing democracy and the nation's history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mount Rushmore was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum, and was completed between 1927 and 1941.
2. The four presidents chosen for Mount Rushmore represent key moments in American history: Washington for the founding of the nation, Jefferson for the expansion through the Louisiana Purchase, Lincoln for preserving the Union during the Civil War, and Roosevelt for his role in modernizing America.
3. The site is not only a popular tourist attraction but also serves as a symbol of American ideals and values, attracting millions of visitors each year.
4. The creation of Mount Rushmore faced significant challenges including funding issues, harsh weather conditions, and safety concerns for workers.
5. The monument has been a focal point for discussions about national identity, indigenous rights, and how history is represented in art.

Review Questions

• How does Mount Rushmore serve as an expression of national identity through its depiction of historical figures?
  • Mount Rushmore embodies national identity by representing four presidents who played pivotal roles in shaping the United States. Each president symbolizes different ideals such as democracy, expansion, unity, and progress. By carving these figures into a mountain, the monument connects the nation's history with its natural landscape, reinforcing the significance of these leaders in American culture.
• Discuss the controversies surrounding Mount Rushmore and how they relate to broader themes of cultural representation.
  • Mount Rushmore has faced criticism for representing only certain perspectives of American history while ignoring the contributions and experiences of indigenous peoples. The site is located on land sacred to the Lakota Sioux tribe, raising questions about cultural appropriation and whose history is celebrated. This controversy highlights broader themes in art regarding representation and the complexities of national identity.
• Evaluate the impact of Mount Rushmore on contemporary discussions about historical memory and national identity in America.
  • Mount Rushmore plays a crucial role in contemporary discussions about historical memory as it embodies both reverence for past leaders and critiques of exclusionary narratives. As debates around monuments and their meanings evolve, Mount Rushmore prompts us to reflect on who we honor and why. The monument challenges us to consider how we want to shape our national identity moving forward while grappling with our complex history.

Related terms

National Monument: A protected area designated by the government to preserve significant natural, historical, or cultural features.

Sculpture: A three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining materials such as stone, metal, or wood.

Cultural Identity: The shared characteristics, values, and practices that define a group of people and shape their collective experiences.