Gutzon Borglum began sculpting the iconic Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, aiming to create a massive granite monument to celebrate the history and ideals of the United States. The project was conceived to portray four pivotal presidents: George Washington for leading the country to independence, Thomas Jefferson for authoring the Declaration of Independence and expanding the nation through the Louisiana Purchase, Abraham Lincoln for preserving the Union during the Civil War, and Theodore Roosevelt for his contributions to shaping America into a modern nation and for his role in negotiating international peace. Construction commenced after securing crucial funding from both federal and private sources, along with the approval of local officials and the public. Borglum’s vision was ambitious, requiring innovative techniques and large teams of workers to carve the faces into the mountain’s granite, which began as a rough surface and required meticulous planning and execution.

The project employed a variety of tools, including dynamite and jackhammers, to extract granite efficiently, and despite challenges posed by weather and the inherent difficulties of the remote location, progress moved steadily. Borglum worked closely with his son Lincoln Borglum, who assisted in the management of the project and contributed to the overall execution of the design. The initial phase concentrated on the presidents' faces, which were designed to be 60 feet tall, creating striking profiles meant to inspire and embolden visitors with a sense of national pride. The sculpture remains unfinished as Borglum passed away in 1941, leaving his son to complete the work, but it achieved iconic status during its creation, symbolizing American ingenuity and perseverance.

By the time the monument was completed in 1941, it had become a symbol not just of the presidents depicted but of the American spirit itself. The allure of Mount Rushmore continues to draw millions each year, highlighting the successful melding of art and nature, while also sparking discussions around national identity and historical context. The foundations laid during Borglum’s work paved the way for future explorations of monumental sculpture in public spaces, shaping America’s cultural landscape for decades to come.