Mount Rushmore is a famous monument in the United States, located in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. This giant sculpture features the faces of four important U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Let’s learn about the history of Mount Rushmore, how it was made, and why some people have different feelings about it.
Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota, a state in the middle of the United States. The monument honors four presidents who played big roles in American history:
The idea for Mount Rushmore started in the 1920s. A historian from South Dakota wanted to bring more visitors to the state. At first, the plan was to carve different historical figures, but the artist Gutzon Borglum suggested using presidents to attract more attention.
Work on Mount Rushmore began in 1927 and took 14 years to finish, ending in 1941. More than 400 workers helped carve the mountain. Here’s how they did it:
Even though the artist had big plans, the project wasn’t fully completed because of money problems, especially as the U.S. was getting ready for World War II.
While many people see Mount Rushmore as a symbol of American history, it also has a controversial side. The land where the monument stands was originally sacred to Native American tribes, especially the Lakota Sioux. The U.S. government took this land, which has led to protests and disagreements from Native American groups.
In response, a Native American leader from the Sioux tribe started a project to create a monument for Crazy Horse, a respected Lakota leader. The Crazy Horse Memorial celebrates Native American culture and history, offering a different story than Mount Rushmore.
Mount Rushmore is a big part of American history, showing both the achievements of the presidents and the complex stories behind its creation. It’s important to listen to different perspectives, especially those of Native American communities who have been affected by the monument. By understanding these stories, we can better appreciate Mount Rushmore and its place in American history.
Create Your Own Monument: Imagine you are an artist like Gutzon Borglum. What four people would you choose to carve into a mountain to represent important leaders or role models in your life? Draw your own version of a monument on paper and explain why you chose these individuals. Share your drawing and reasons with your classmates.
Exploring Local History: With the help of a parent or teacher, research a local monument or historical site in your area. Visit the site if possible, or find pictures and information online. Discuss why this site is important and what it represents. Create a short presentation or poster to share your findings with the class.
Understanding Different Perspectives: Discuss with your family or friends why some people might have different feelings about Mount Rushmore. Think about how the land was important to Native American tribes. Write a short story or draw a comic strip that shows two characters with different opinions about the monument and how they learn to understand each other’s views.
