Mount Rushmore: A brief history and guide

Millions of people visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota yearly. The “Shrine to Democracy” was designed and executed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son from 1927 to when it opened to the public in 1941.

South Dakota State Historian Doane Robinson, known as the “Father of Rushmore,” originally conceived the memorial in 1923. He envisioned a giant monument to the heroes of the West, such as Lewis and Clark, Oglala Lakota Chief’s Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Buffalo Bill Cody.

However, Gutzon Borglum, who had already accepted the offer, had a different idea. Seeing what would be his most significant work, he would not immortalize what he considered regional heroes. He insisted on selecting timeless subjects that showcased the nation’s dedication to democracy and the pursuit of liberty.

With that in mind, four presidents were selected to remind us of our nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.

However, Gutzon Borglum, who had already accepted the offer, had a different idea. Seeing what would be his most significant work would not immortalize what he considered regional heroes. He insisted on selecting timeless subjects that showcased the nation’s dedication to democracy and the pursuit of liberty.

With that in mind, four presidents were selected to remind us of our nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.

Presidents on Mount Rushmore

George Washington: First President of the United States

Washington led our nation through the Revolutionary War against the British and served as the first President of the United States. Borglum placed Washington as the most prominent figure on the mountain because of his importance to the birth of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson: Third President of the United States

Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the country. Borglum chose Jefferson to represent the growth of our nation.

Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the United States

Roosevelt was selected to represent the development of the nation. For his work breaking up large corporate monopolies and fighting for the common working man, Roosevelt earned the nickname “trust buster.”

Abraham Lincoln: 16th President of the United States

The 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, was chosen to represent the preservation of the Union. Lincoln served our country during its most difficult trial and tribulation… The American Civil War. He would ultimately succeed in what he believed was his most sacred duty … the preservation of the Union.

Visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument

My wife and I visited Mount Rushmore while road-tripping through the Black Hills. We drove in from Custer State Park along the Iron Mountain Road where we were treated to tremendous views.

We pulled into the large parking lot just after 10 a.m. It took a second to pay for parking and find a spot, it was already packed. Getting out of the car, it was a bit overcast and breezy, but thankfully, not too cold.

We were a little late to beat the crowds. The Park Service recommends getting there very early or late in the afternoon to avoid as many people as possible. For the best pictures, you want to get there early. Mount Rushmore faces east and glows in the morning sun.

We did not waste any time from here on. Walking past the information center, gift shop, and cafe. In most National Parks, you hear many different languages, and here, I was astonished by just how many. I easily picked out French, Spanish, Italian, and Russian. There were so many more that I did not recognize.

Avenue of Flags

We quickly bobbed and weaved through people along the Avenue of Flags. 56 flags line a walkway leading to the Visitor Center and memorial views. They represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America.

The flags are alphabetically ordered, with the A’s at the start of the walkway and W’s at Grand View Terrace. The names of each state, district, commonwealth or territory are on the plaques directly below each flag. Like other tourists, we stopped and took pictures of the states where we’ve lived: Idaho, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and others.

We came to Grand View Terrace in no time and were treated with a tremendous view of Mount Rushmore. Pictures do not do it justice. The 60-foot tall presidential heads are massive! After relaxing and enjoying the view for about 30 minutes, we checked out the visitor center. There were several great exhibits on the history and construction of the monument, as well as a gift shop.

Presidential Trail

Next, we decided to stroll down the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail. There were still people on the trail, but the crowds thinned out dramatically. No longer was it combat tourism. I recommend this short hike if you are visiting Mount Rushmore, it was great to escape the the hordes of people and get different views of the memorial. Heads up, there are more than 400 stairs crammed into this trail. So there is bit of elevation gain.

After the trail, we returned to the car, satisfied with our trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Where is Mount Rushmore located?

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills of Western South Dakota, 23 miles southwest of Rapid City on Highway 16.

How long does it take to visit Mount Rushmore?

We spent about 2 hours at Mount Rushmore. But we could have easily spent much less if we were just checking out the view and getting on the road.

Where to stay near Mount Rushmore?

There are many hotels in nearby Keystone, South Dakota, which is a bit of a tourist trap. If you are traveling in the area, I recommend trying to camp at Custer State Park or Wind Cave National Park.