Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, National Park Service

Regions 3, 4, & 5 Cultural Landscapes Program

Mount Rushmore National Memorial was dedicated on October 1, 1925, to commemorate and "symbolize the spirit and ideals of the westward expansion of America and the growth of democratic ideals and institutions" (Michael Lindberg, National Register of Historic Places Inventory‑‑Nomination Form, 1984, 5). The Mount Rushmore National Memorial Shrine of Democracy sculpture derives historic significance on the national level from 1) its illustration of an important theme in our nation's history; 2) its significant association with the lives of the four presidents represented; and 3) it represents the work of a master and possesses artistic value" (Lindberg, NRHP Nomination Form, 1984, 5). Actual work on the massive sculpture began in October 1927. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum employed a work force of 16 former Black Hills gold miners who had experience in drilling and blasting, but knew nothing of mountain sculpting. As time went on, however, Borglum trained these men into a highly skilled force that numbered more than 400 men by the time the sculpture was complete (Sanford, draft NHL Nomination, 2001, 28). Southeast of the sculpture is a collection of cultural and natural features that played an integral role in the creation and administration of the monument. This was the staging or headquarters area that served the artist, Gutzon Borglum, and his crew for fourteen years. "The headquarters area evolved over time as did the sculpture, and by the conclusion of work, had become a cohesive unit that accommodated the needs of the workers, the administrators, and the visitors who flocked to Mount Rushmore by the thousands. These resources represent the period of national significance from 1925‑1941" (Sanford, draft NHL Nomination, 2001, 22‑23). The monument and the headquarters area required significant landscape modifications in order to accommodate the construction and habitation by workers at this remote site. In addition to the systems of construction installed by Borglum, infrastructure needed to be in place in order to facilitate the activities of daily living on the site. These improvements include systems of drainage, waste removal and water supply. The CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] and the WPA [Works Progress Administration] did much of the thinning the forest and the building of infrastructure so that the amenities of the area could be accessed (Geores, pg. 109). Ultimately, recreation has become the predominant activity in the Black Hills area. From the very beginning, Mount Rushmore was conceived and promoted as a tourist attraction for the American people to appeal to both patriotic and commercial interests. The Mount Rushmore National Historic District retains a medium to high overall level of historic integrity, and clearly conveys its historical associations with the development and creation of a sculpture that celebrates the ideals of American geographical expansion and political development. The dominant element in the district, the Shrine of Democracy sculpture, is unchanged since work terminated in 1941. New construction and demolition have occurred within the historic district but materials, workmanship, feeling and association are still high and associated with the work of Gutzon Borglum to create the memorial. This is enriched by the headquarters area resources that convey association with the late 1930s and early 1940s sense of place as the sculpture and construction processes evolved and the National Park Service took over administration of the site (Sanford, draft NHL Nomination, 2001, 18).

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, National Park Service

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