Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture created by carving the granite face of Mount Rushmore, in South Dakota, United States.

Considered the “shrine of Democracy”, this unique work of art features 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of four different United States Presidents, each one chosen according to what represents for the nation:

George Washington (1732-1799), the first President and a symbol for America’s struggle for independence.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), the creator of the Louisiana purchase and promotor of the motto of government by the people.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), who promoted construction of Panama canal and the 20^th century role of the United States in world affairs.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), who confronted challenges of the Civil War, and had unprecedented ideas on inequality and the permanent union of the States.

The work of the sculpture Borglum is incredibly spectacular at night, when a walk along the Avenue of Flags leads visitors to the Great Terrace: here, the sight of the immense granite heads is illuminated at 9 pm sharp, each evening introduced by a lighting ceremony.

Gutzon Borglum, together with other workers, took up to 14 years to finish the work, which ended in 1930. The usage of new techniques was firstly introduced, such as dynamite and pneumatic hammers to blast through a large amount of rock quickly, in addition to more traditional tools of drills and chisels.

In granite, forever emblazoned, the shrine of Democracy marches across the skyline of America. Gazing over the Black Hills, four US. Presidents stand for hope, determination and the spirit of a nation.

“Let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what manners of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away”, Gutzon Borglum.