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Gutzon Borglum selected these four presidents because from his perspectivethey represented the most important events in the history of the United States. Would another artist at that timeor perhaps a modern artist choose differently? As you read more about Borglum's choicesthink about what you might have done if the decision was up to you. <>blockquote {border-left: 5px solid #fff;}
George WashingtonFirst President of the United StatesBorn 1732died 1799. Washington led the colonists in the American Revolutionary War to win independence from Great Britain. He was the father of the new country and laid the foundation of American democracy. Because of his importanceBorglum chose Washington to be the most prominent figure on the mountain and represent the birth of the United States. "The preservation of the sacred fire of Libertyand the destiny of the Republican model of Governmentare justly considered as deeplyperhaps as finally stakedon the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." George Washington Other places to learn more about George Washington: George Washington Birthplace National Monument <>blockquote {border-left: 5px solid #fff;}
Thomas JeffersonThird President of the United StatesBorn 1743died 1826. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independencea document which inspires democracies around the world. He also purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 which doubled the size of our countryadding all or part of fifteen present-day states. Gutzon Borglum chose Jefferson to represent the growth of the United States. "We act not for ourselves but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether man can be trusted with self - government." Thomas Jefferson Other places to learn more about Thomas Jefferson: <>blockquote {border-left: 5px solid #fff;}
Theodore Roosevelt26th President of the United StatesBorn 1858died 1919. Roosevelt provided leadership when America experienced rapid economic growth as it entered the 20th Century. He was instrumental in negotiating the construction of the Panama Canallinking the east and the west. He was known as the "trust buster" for his work to end large corporate monopolies and ensure the rights of the common working man. Borglum chose Roosevelt to represent the development of the United States. "The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight - that he shall not be a mere passenger." Theodore Roosevelt Other places to learn more about Theodore Roosevelt: <>blockquote {border-left: 5px solid #fff;}
Abraham Lincoln16th President of the United StatesBorn 1809died 1865. Lincoln held the nation together during its greatest trialthe Civil War. Lincoln believed his most sacred duty was the preservation of the union. It was his firm conviction that slavery must be abolished. Gutzon Borglum chose Lincoln to represent the preservation of the United States. "I leave you hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal." Abraham Lincoln Other places to learn more about Abraham Lincoln: <>blockquote {border-left: 5px solid #fff;}
To learn more about these four presidents and all the others follow this link to the White House. |
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Last updated: August 102025