Mount Rushmore might look like just a massive rock sculpture to some, but it holds a lot more than just a chiseled history. Carved into the granite face of the Black Hills in South Dakota, it was designed by Gutzon Borglum and completed between 1927 and 1941. This colossal monument features the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Fueled by the desire to attract tourism to the region, Mount Rushmore today is both a national symbol and a subject of controversy for its location on sacred Native American land.
Let's be real, the scale of Mount Rushmore is jaw-dropping. Each of these presidential faces is about 60 feet tall, providing an imposing spectacle standing in stark contrast against the lush greenery and blue skies. The idea was to create something grand that would not only be a tribute to America's "founding," "growth," and "preservation," but also boost the local economy through tourism. It worked—Mount Rushmore now sees over 2 million visitors every year. But there's a hefty load of controversy that sits alongside those serene stone faces.
The land on which Mount Rushmore was built holds historical significance for the Lakota Sioux, part of the original stewards of these lands. The Black Hills, where the monument resides, is sacred to them. They view Mount Rushmore as a symbol of the desecration that followed the U.S. government's disregard for treaties made with Native peoples. In the late 19th century, the U.S. seized the Black Hills after gold was discovered, sparking tension that remains today. Many Native groups use this history to call for the monument’s removal, arguing that its presence continues a legacy of oppression.
Even the artist behind it, Gutzon Borglum, wasn't without controversy. Known for his ties to white supremacist ideologies, Borglum's involvement complicates the legacy of Mount Rushmore. Yet, some argue the monument’s artistry transcends its creator's flawed character, focusing instead on patriotic sentiment. For others, these towering 60-foot faces only amplify the voices of the oppressed who demand acknowledgment and their own monumental tributes.
While the debates rage, Mount Rushmore continues to serve as an educational point for many. It’s not just about marveling at its artistry. It sparks important conversations about American history, culture, and the stories we choose to elevate. Each face etched into the mountain represents different facets of the American narrative but also prompts a rethinking of that narrative. This dialogue asks us to think critically about what is often left unspoken, uncelebrated, or even disparaged in American history.
There are those who value the monument for its representation of American democracy. It is seen as a celebration of leaders who played crucial roles in shaping the U.S. George Washington represents the nation’s founding; Thomas Jefferson, its expansion; Theodore Roosevelt, its development; and Abraham Lincoln stands for preservation through the Civil War. For many, it stands as a monument to American ideals and a tribute to the challenges these figures faced in building the United States. Despite their historical flaws, these presidents are honored for navigating the nation through formative periods and shaping its future.
However, as the monument endures on the American landscape, calls for changes in how it's interpreted and presented are growing. Some suggest relocating Misrepresented quotes or highlighting Native American history in the area alongside the monument could resonate better with modern audiences. Reconciliation with Indigenous communities, where possible, and more honest storytelling around public sites like Rushmore are increasingly seen as steps toward a more inclusive historical narrative.
Gen Z, often heralded as the change-makers, could embrace the complexities of history represented at Mount Rushmore. As members of the most connected and diverse generation, many might appreciate the monumental dialogue that bridges past intentions with future reconciliations. While the giant heads of presidents carved into the mountain might initially seem simply impressive, each face carves out room for deeper thought on who we choose to celebrate and why.