Shrine of Democracy at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
1941 (Photograph 1984)
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This Shrine of Democracy (more commonly known as Mount Rushmore) by Gutzon Borglum (sculptor) was completed in 1941 in South Dakota.
Designed to commemorate and symbolize the spirit of the westward expansion and our democratic ideals, the monument includes busts of United States Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Each presidential figure was chosen for representing an important ideal of America's expansion and development. George Washington was chosen for his contributions toward American independence and his role establishing of our government and Constitution. Thomas Jefferson's role in the Louisiana Purchase, Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the Union, and Theodore Roosevelt's restless American spirit contributed to their inclusion.
Designed and supervised by Gutzon Borglum, the initial planning began in August 1925. Drilling began on October 4, 1927 and continued off and on through October 31, 1941. Carved into into the southeast face of Mount Rushmore, each of the busts is 60 feet tall and all four extend 250 feet wide.
This photo and description of the Shrine of Democracy at Mount Rushmmore in South Dakota are part of materials from its nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed to commemorate and symbolize the spirit of the westward expansion and our democratic ideals, the monument includes busts of United States Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Each presidential figure was chosen for representing an important ideal of America's expansion and development. George Washington was chosen for his contributions toward American independence and his role establishing of our government and Constitution. Thomas Jefferson's role in the Louisiana Purchase, Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the Union, and Theodore Roosevelt's restless American spirit contributed to their inclusion.
Designed and supervised by Gutzon Borglum, the initial planning began in August 1925. Drilling began on October 4, 1927 and continued off and on through October 31, 1941. Carved into into the southeast face of Mount Rushmore, each of the busts is 60 feet tall and all four extend 250 feet wide.
This photo and description of the Shrine of Democracy at Mount Rushmmore in South Dakota are part of materials from its nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places.
This primary source comes from the Records of the National Park Service.
National Archives Identifier: 93205555
Full Citation: Shrine of Democracy at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota; 1941 (Photograph 1984); National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: South Dakota; National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013 - 2017; Records of the National Park Service, Record Group 79; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/shrine-of-democracy-mount-rushmore-south-dakota, March 17, 2025]Activities that use this document
- Memorials, Statues, and Monuments to George Washington
Created by the National Archives Education Team
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