On September 17, 1937, the likeness of Abraham Lincoln was officially dedicated at Mount Rushmore, a monumental sculpture situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This iconic tribute features the carved faces of four notable United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These illustrious figures are celebrated for their significant contributions to the nation’s history, which spans the founding principles of democracy to the complexities of civil rights. Among these presidents, Abraham Lincoln stands out as the 16th president, serving from 1861 until his untimely assassination in 1865. Historians often regard Lincoln as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history, as noted by Visit Rapid City. His leadership during the Civil War and efforts to abolish slavery are among his most significant achievements.
Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., marks a tragic moment in American history. He passed away the following day, leaving a legacy intertwined with the values of liberty and national unity. Mount Rushmore itself serves as both a celebration of American ideals and a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve them. The monumental faces, each measuring 60 feet tall and painstakingly carved from granite, offer a striking visual representation of American history and embody the struggles and triumphs of the nation.
The dedication of the Lincoln face on September 17, 1937, followed the earlier dedications of Washington in 1930, Jefferson in 1936, and Roosevelt in 1939. The conception of Mount Rushmore is attributed to a vision geared towards attracting tourism to the Black Hills, motivated by South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson in the early 1920s. Although he initially proposed sculpting heroes of the West, including figures like Sioux chief Red Cloud, the project ultimately focused on celebrating the presidents, reflecting a broader narrative of American identity.
Gutzon Borglum, an American sculptor renowned for his ambitious projects, was brought on board to realize this monumental endeavor after Robinson’s first choice was unavailable. Funded initially by a significant federal appropriation of $250,000 signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge, the project faced numerous financial hurdles exacerbated by the onset of the Great Depression. Consequently, it took 14 years to complete, with only six of those years dedicated directly to the actual carving of the stone. Over time, support for the project grew, culminating in a final cost of approximately $1 million, with the federal government covering about 85% of the total expenses.
By October 31, 1941, Mount Rushmore was officially completed; however, its existence and significance are not without controversy. Many Native Americans, particularly the Lakota Sioux, view the site as a desecration of sacred land, reflecting a complex history of displacement and cultural erosion faced by Indigenous peoples in the region. The struggle for recognition and respect for these historical grievances continues amidst the monumental presence of the sculpture.
Today, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, with more than two million visitors annually. The towering figures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln attract crowds, particularly around national holidays, with July 4th drawing over 30,000 attendees for fireworks displays and celebrations. This blending of history, tourism, and national pride encapsulates the enduring impact of Mount Rushmore as a symbol of American ideals and the complexities born from its history.
In summary, while the dedication of Lincoln’s likeness on Mount Rushmore represents a tribute to American leadership and values, it also serves as a reminder of the nuanced and often painful legacy of the nation. The ongoing dialogue about the memorial’s significance reflects the broader narrative of the United States, prompting discussions about recognition, history, and the diverse experiences of those who have shaped its past.