Mount Rushmore

So let me start by saying that Carson and Crissy had prepared us to be underwhelmed by Mount Rushmore. They both had wanted to see it and when they finally did, they said they thought it was going to be bigger. So we have them to thank for managing our expectations because Ira and I thought it was awesome! 

Mount Rushmore

My first look at this National Monument and all I could think of us how crazy it was to think about carving the side of the mountain with what must have been crude tools and dynamite. Who does that? It's crazy to me. The museum gave us a little more insight on what it took to accomplish. 

Models of the faces

I found the models interesting. Apparently the design changed multiple times to adjust to the type of rock they found. Doane Robinson, a South Dakotan historian, came up with the original idea of putting the faces of historical figures in U.S. History, like Lewis and Clark.

But Gutzon Borglum an American sculptor and author of the monument, selected these four presidents because from his perspective they represented the most important events in the history of the United States.

Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln

He had some help though. The Italians are never too far out of the mix I'm realizing, LOL.

Luigi Del Bianco, Italian-American sculptor, Chief Carver

After the movie and the museum we took a walk outside and walked the short loop before heading to the museum to get our Christmas ornament. Oh, you know we did! 

Afterwards we jumped back in the car but made one last pitstop at the 'Profile View' pullout. As advertised  here is the pic from the lookout. 

George Washington from the Profile Lookout

Mount Rushmore ✔

A dopo!