Mount Rushmore

**Learning objectives**

Describe how Mount Rushmore was created.{.info}

Explain which presidents' faces are on Mount Rushmore and why they were chosen.{.info}

Explain the significance of Mount Rushmore in American History and Culture.{.info}


# How was Mount Rushmore created and what was the inspiration behind its construction? {.objective .objective1}

Mount Rushmore was created through an intricate process of sculpting and blasting away the granite rock face of the mountain. The idea for the monument originated from South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson, who envisioned creating a tourist attraction to draw visitors to the region. The sculptor Gutzon Borglum was chosen to bring the concept to life, and work on the monument began in 1927. It took approximately 14 years to complete, from 1927 to 1941.



# Who were the four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore , and why were they chosen for this Monument?{.objective .objective2}

The four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Together, these four presidents on Mount Rushmore symbolize different aspects of American ideals, including the struggle for independence, the protection of individual liberties, the nation's growth and progress, and the pursuit of equality and unity.


# What is the significance of Mount Rushmore in American History and Culture?{.objective .objective3}

Mount Rushmore holds significant importance in American history and culture for several reasons including: National Identity; Commemorating American Presidents; American Democracy; Engineering and Artistic Achievements; Cultural Representation and Tourism.

# Teacher Resources

**Download Teacher Notes**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/803241/files/Mount%20Rushmore+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1685462092&size=1259475&md5=ca235a85af8b6b9d9916f30ab7a5bc81)

**Student Quiz Answers Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/803243/files/Mount%20Rushmore+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1685462169&size=829050&md5=59ba0084aad92bcfecbfa5a3be880586)

**Download Student Quiz Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/803246/files/Mount%20Rushmore+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1685462328&size=96613&md5=7eb3b2e4be035905d34bc9c9d2dd511a)