10 Reasons Why Mount Rushmore Was a Flawed Concept

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a celebrated landmark in South Dakota, draws countless visitors annually. Completed in 1941 after a challenging construction process, it features the carved likenesses of four US presidents on a mountainside. Designed to symbolize the nation's strength and pride, it stands as a testament to American ambition.

Set amidst the pristine beauty of nature, the monument's rich history is deeply felt. The towering visages of four leaders etched into stone serve as a powerful reminder of human potential. Yet, despite its grandeur, Mount Rushmore remains one of the most controversial national monuments in America.

10. It’s Much Smaller Than You’d Expect

Pictures of Mount Rushmore often create the illusion of immense scale, given its mountainous setting. However, the reality is quite different. Despite its symbolic significance, the monument is surprisingly modest in size. Each presidential head measures just 18 meters (60 ft) in height, making them less than a ninth the size of the Washington Monument, which rises to 169 meters (555 ft). This makes it far from the most commanding monument in the country.

Despite its modest dimensions, Mount Rushmore remains an impressive sight. The intricately carved faces showcase remarkable craftsmanship. While its size may underwhelm, this is just one of several reasons it’s considered the nation’s most flawed monument.

9. The Base Is a Chaotic Eyesore

One glaring issue is the pile of rocks scattered at the foot of Mount Rushmore. The polished, detailed faces starkly contrast with the disorderly rubble below. While this might seem trivial for an outdoor monument, there’s a little-known fact that adds to the controversy.

The base is littered with fragmented rock, often mistaken for natural debris. In reality, it’s 450,000 tons of construction waste left behind and never cleared away.

8. It Was Designed as a Tourist Attraction

Many national monuments today are often seen as tourist attractions, with most situated in major cities or historically significant locations. Mount Rushmore, however, is in South Dakota. Have you ever questioned why a mountain in this state features presidential carvings? What was South Dakota even known for during that era?

Initially, the project was conceived as a way to draw tourists to the state. A local historical society brainstormed ways to boost tourism, and creating a landmark seemed like the perfect solution. Their first concept involved carving figures of Wild West legends into the mountain.

7. The Sculptor Had a Different Vision

The original planners faced a setback when the sculptor they hired, Gutzon Borglum, had his own plans. He dismissed the idea of Wild West legends and took the project in a new direction.

Despite the questionable name, it was Borglum’s idea to carve presidential faces into the mountain. His motivation wasn’t nobility or attracting visitors; rather, he aimed to secure his place in history. Mount Rushmore’s creation wasn’t entirely altruistic—Borglum’s primary goal was to ensure his legacy would endure.

6. One President Stands Out

Mount Rushmore features four iconic presidents: Washington, the nation’s first leader; Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence; Lincoln, who abolished slavery; and Roosevelt... but why is Roosevelt included?

Some argue Roosevelt earned his place due to his efforts in conserving natural resources and other achievements. Others believe his inclusion stems from his close relationship with the sculptor.

5. The Initial Vision Was Overly Ambitious

Borglum’s initial vision for the monument was extraordinarily grand. He wasn’t satisfied with just carving the heads and torsos; he aimed to construct a staircase from the debris at the base, leading to a grand hall of records behind the presidential figures.

This expansive rotunda was intended to house the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other pivotal documents. Essentially, he wanted to enshrine the United States’ most significant papers inside a South Dakota mountain.

4. Funding Nearly Ran Out

Borglum’s relentless drive to enhance the monument’s grandeur led Congress to threaten funding cuts unless he focused on completing the carvings. Known for his stubbornness and aversion to external control, Borglum reluctantly halted work on the hall of records in 1939.

Borglum spent his final years traveling and striving to secure financial support. Today, the unfinished hall within Mount Rushmore is often referred to as a “hidden chamber” by some.

3. The Sioux Rejected the Compensation

In 1980, the Supreme Court declared the U.S. government’s land seizure unconstitutional and mandated $102 million in federal compensation. However, the Sioux demanded the return of their land, not monetary compensation. The funds were placed in trust accounts, accruing interest over time. By 2011, the amount had grown to over $1 billion, yet the Sioux continue to refuse the money.

Mount Rushmore symbolizes many of the United States’ historical wrongdoings. The nation violated treaties, seized indigenous land, and then etched the faces of its leaders into it. This act remains a profound insult to the Native American community. Today, visitors can view enlarged versions of the faces found on U.S. currency.

2. It Stands on Illegally Acquired Native American Land

While the previous points may seem minor or even trivial, they take on greater significance when viewed in context. In 1868, the U.S. signed a treaty ensuring the Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore, would remain part of the Sioux Nation, returning the land to a frequently marginalized population.

However, after General Custer’s expedition discovered gold in the Black Hills, the land was seized. This act of betrayal aligns with a recurring theme in American history: the exploitation of Native communities.

1. The Monument Was Never Fully Completed

Following Borglum’s death in 1941 and the looming involvement of the U.S. in World War II, construction on the monument ceased. On October 31, 1941, Mount Rushmore National Memorial was officially declared finished, despite its incomplete state.

The monument, in its entirety, stands as a symbol of irony—a project left incomplete yet officially declared finished.