Skip to headerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
The Week Logo
Subscribe & SaveSubscribeSubscribe to The Week magazine and save.
Give a GiftGive a Gift
  • Politics
  • Culture
  • Business
  • Speed Reads
  • Cartoons
    • Tech
    • Photos
    • Puzzles
    • Books
    • Instant Opinion
    • Pros and Cons
    • Where They Stand
  • Magazine
  • Newsletters
Skip advert

Making Mount Rushmore

The story of an extraordinary American undertaking

Picture of Jackie Friedman
by Jackie Friedman
February 20, 2017

President Calvin Coolidge speaks at the dedication of Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Aug. 10, 1927.

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, photographer Charles D'Emery)Borglum had originally conceived of the figures with more detail — including clothing and limbs. But the mounta

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum on a ladder with his model, c. 1936.

(Everett Collection Historical / Alamy Stock Photo)The workers were paid $8 an hour, which is more than $100 an hour by today's standards. But the work was brutal and dangerous. They had to e

Skip advert

Mount Rushmore on Aug. 15, 1927. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum has marked off the rock for carving.

(AP Photo)

Skip advert

The blasting of Abraham Lincoln's sculpture.

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, photographer Charles D'Emery)

Skip advert

Drillers, suspended in harnesses and fastened with cables to the winches at the top of the mountain, work on George Washington on July, 22, 1929. Gutzon Borglum, sculptor, directs the carving from a projecting ledge at the left.

(AP Photo)

Winch houses were built on top of Mount Rushmore during the construction. Workers in harnesses attached to steel cables would be raised and lowered by the winches while they worked on the carving.

(Photo courtesy of the National Park Service, photographer Lincoln Borglum)

Skip advert
Skip advert

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, photographer Charles D'Emery)

(ClassicStock / Alamy Stock Photo)

Skip advert

A staged photo of Jefferson's eye.

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, photographer Charles D'Emery)

Skip advert

Guzman Borglum and his son, Lincoln, use the tramway.

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, photographer Charles D'Emery)

Skip advert
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email
  • U.S.

Recommended

At least 6 killed in shooting at Fourth of July parade near Chicago
The scene of Monday's shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
breaking news

At least 6 killed in shooting at Fourth of July parade near Chicago

This Fourth of July, more cities are embracing drone shows over fireworks
Fireworks go off next to drones creating the shape of the United States.
rise of the drones

This Fourth of July, more cities are embracing drone shows over fireworks

Newsom attacks DeSantis in Fourth of July ad
California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
fireworks

Newsom attacks DeSantis in Fourth of July ad

Akron police release video of killing of unarmed Black man
Demonstrators stand in front of a law enforcement officer in Akron, Ohio.
Police shootings

Akron police release video of killing of unarmed Black man

Supreme Court marshal urges states to stop protests at justices' homes
Abortion rights protesters march in front of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts' house in Maryland.
action requested

Supreme Court marshal urges states to stop protests at justices' homes

Questioning the intellectual consistency of SCOTUS
A gun.
Picture of Peter WeberPeter Weber

Questioning the intellectual consistency of SCOTUS

Trump could announce 2024 bid this month
Donald Trump
getting in early

Trump could announce 2024 bid this month

10 things you need to know today: July 3, 2022
Smoke rising from Lysychansk
Daily briefing

10 things you need to know today: July 3, 2022

Most Popular

The turning point
Trump.
Picture of William FalkWilliam Falk

The turning point

The soul of a machine
Ones and zeroes.
Picture of William FalkWilliam Falk

The soul of a machine

7 toons about Cassidy Hutchinson's Trump testimony
Political Cartoon.
Feature

7 toons about Cassidy Hutchinson's Trump testimony

Skip to headerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Kiplinger
  • The Week Junior
  • MoneyWeek
  • The Week UK
  • Subscribe
  • Subscriber Login
  • Give a gift
  • Classroom subscriptions
  • Customer Services
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility
  • Ad info
  • Newsletters
  • Privacy Preferences
  • Do Not Sell My Information

The Week™ is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site at https://futureplc.com
The Week™ is a registered trade mark.
© Future US LLC, 10th floor, 1100 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. All rights reserved.

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter
Skip advert