Mount Rushmore National Memorial Cultural Landscape

Mount Rushmore National Memoriallocated in the ecologically-diverse Black Hills region of South Dakotacontains the monumental American sculpture displaying four presidential figures. After its construction commenced in 1927the Memorial became known as a controversial symbol of American values. Some celebrated the projectwhile others criticized its environmental impact and location on sacred land. The entire Black Hills hold cultural and spiritual value for several Native American tribes and are considered by many of these tribes to be a Traditional Cultural Place (TCP).

Per its National Register nominationthe Mount Rushmore cultural landscape remains significant for its ability to yield prehistoric informationartistic valueand association with historic figures and events. The period of significance stretches from 3500 BC to 1967 AD.

Landscape Description

The Mount Rushmore cultural landscape in Pennington CountySouth Dakota contains 1,278 acres. The rugged topography is characteristic of the Black Hills regionwhich is the easternmost extension of the Rocky Mountains. The Black Hills began forming approximately 60 million years ago when the landform began uplifting. Erosion removed sedimentary rock at the surface to reveal the granite mass beneath.

Numerous plant communities thrive in the microclimates created by the varying Black Hills topography. Forest types include: Paper Birch/Beaked HazelPonderosa Pine/Kinnikinnick Woodlandand Ponderosa Pine/Common Juniper Woodland. Ponderosa Pine constitutes the dominant forest species. A specific Black Hills Rock Outcrop Sparse Vegetation community thrives in both soil pockets and breaks in rock outcrops.

Three main drainage basins exist within the landscape boundaries: the StarlingLafferty Gulchand East Boundary basins. Creeks include Battle and Grizzly Bear Creeks. Historicallythese sources provided water for native tribes and European settlersand the Memorial’s current water supply is drawn from wells in Lafferty Gulch.

Several buildings and structuresadded throughout the 1900scontribute to some aspects of the landscape’s historical significance. The sculpture itselfalso known as the Shrine of Democracyoccupies a granite face of the mountain. United States presidents depicted are George WashingtonThomas JeffersonTheodore Rooseveltand Abraham Lincoln. Nineteen total buildings and structures are identified as contributing features related to the initial carving era or Mission 66 development.

Major redevelopment also occurred in 1998 using a “seeapproacharrive” design concept. The concept was intended to improve visitor navigation and circulationincrease the time visitors were on siteand maximize opportunities to experience the sculpture and setting. Controlled views and framed vistas of the sculpture from various locations feature prominently in the design within the core area. The most prominent viewshed was created at the top of the amphitheater (the “Grand View Terrace”) which serves as the terminus or “arrived” portion of the redevelopment concept.

Historic Use

Recovered artifacts indicate that early peopleslikely hunter-gatherersoccupied the Black Hills area around 7000 BCE. By the late 1700sthe Lakota controlled the territory in their defeat of the Cheyenne. The name of the Black Hills derives from the Lakota term “Paha Sapa,” meaning hills of black. This is in reference to the dense shadow cast by the coniferous trees along the range. Historicallyreligious ceremonies were performed at Paha Sapa annuallyand the landscape continues to hold significant cultural importance for many tribes.

The United States government recognized the Black Hills as Lakota territory under the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. Howeverthe discovery of gold in 1874 motivated prospectors and settlers to violate the treaty and occupy the area. The Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne resisted the United States Government in the Black Hills War/Great Sioux War of 1876in which the Battle of Little Bighorn occurred. The Siouxled by Sitting Bullwon this battle. Howeverongoing conflict and a diminishing food supply weakened resistance and many Lakota Sioux were forced on to reservations by the end of the 1800s.

The concept for the sculpture was presented by South Dakota authorities in the 1920s as a means to bolster tourism. The state historian of South Dakota and two other individuals originally proposed a carving at the Needlesa concentration of granite formations in Custer State Parkdepicting Native Americans and pioneers. Artist Gutzon Borglum was selected to carve the sculpture. He decided the Needles site was inadequate and selected a 400-foot cliff in the Harney National Forest. The selection of this cliff sitelocated on what the Lakota Sioux called the Six Grandfathers Mountain (translated)completely disregarded the site’s existing cultural significance. Stakeholders approved the location and decided to change the subject of the carving to four United States presidents. The presidents chosen for the design were intended to represent certain values rather than the individuals.

Borglum considered viewsheds and the experience approaching the sculpture in his design. The Iron Mountain Road was constructed in 1933 to connect Custer State Park and the Rushmore area. Early onfunding for the project was largely private until President Coolidge extended federal support andlaterthe transfer of authority to the National Park Service. The busts of the presidents were dedicated individually. After Borglum’s passing in March 1941his son oversaw the remaining constructionwhich was completed on October 311941.

Further development stagnated until 1954 when it resumed under the National Park Service Mission 66 program. After World War IIadministrators saw the need for improved facilities to support the influx of tourists paralleling an influx in automobile use. Construction of new buildings to support operationssuch as staff residence facilities and administration centersand an expansion of the highway system occurred during this period.

In the 1970sthe American Indian Movement (AIM)a grassroots organization that advocates for American Indian interestsheld demonstrations at Mount Rushmore. AIM sought recognition of tribal sovereignty and restoration of United States treaty agreements. They also brought attention to civil rights violations inflicted on indigenous peopleincluding the Wounded Knee Massacre.

The complexity of meaning attached to the memorial began at its inception and continues into contemporary times. Some see the sculpture as a representation of colonialismracismand a patriarchal societywhile others praise its symbology of American democracy and freedom. Gutzon Borglum’s design intent to celebrate the history of the United States is manifest in the monumentality of the sculpture and skill of its execution. Visitors today can experience the historic designed landscape and layers of cultural history and significanceas well as the unique environmental features of the region.

Quick Facts

• Cultural Landscape Type: Designed / Vernacular
• National Register Level of Significance: National
• National Register Significance Criteria: ABCD
• Period of Significance: 3500 BCE - 1967

Landscape Links

• National Register of Historic Places: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• More about NPS Cultural Landscapes