Mount Rushmore: Surveyors & Presidents - Did You Know?

05 May, 2025

What monument stands as a colossal testament to American ideals, etched into the very fabric of the Black Hills? Mount Rushmore, a breathtaking sculpture of four iconic presidents, is a powerful symbol of American history and democratic principles.

Located in Keystone, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial draws millions of visitors annually, each drawn to gaze upon the granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These four figures, meticulously carved into the mountainside, represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation a narrative etched in stone for generations to come. The project, a monumental undertaking, was conceived by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who envisioned a tribute to American leadership and the ideals upon which the nation was founded. It's a place where history comes alive, offering a tangible connection to the past and a reminder of the values that continue to shape the United States.

President	Birth	Death	Key Achievements	Land Surveying Involvement	Reference
George Washington	February 22, 1732	December 14, 1799	Led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War; First President of the United States; Established the framework for the U.S. government.	Washington was a surveyor early in his life, contributing to his understanding of land management and property rights, critical aspects of early American society. He surveyed lands in Virginia, an experience which informed his leadership skills.	Mount Rushmore National Memorial - George Washington
Thomas Jefferson	April 13, 1743	July 4, 1826	Principal author of the Declaration of Independence; Third President of the United States; Oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States.	Jefferson's contributions extended to the surveying and mapping of the Louisiana Purchase. His involvement, though not extensive, demonstrated an understanding of the importance of accurate mapping and helped shape westward expansion.	Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln	February 12, 1809	April 15, 1865	Led the United States through the Civil War; Emancipated slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation; Preserved the Union.	Abraham Lincoln had limited direct surveying experience, however, his leadership during the civil war and his commitment to preserve the union, influenced the profession by establishing property right laws and resolving land-related disputes.	Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Abraham Lincoln
Theodore Roosevelt	October 27, 1858	January 6, 1919	Expanded the National Park System; Broke up monopolies; Championed conservation and environmental protection.	While not a surveyor himself, Roosevelt's policies significantly advanced the surveying profession, especially through his focus on conservation and land management, which necessitated accurate surveying and mapping for national parks and forest expansion.	Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Theodore Roosevelt

The origins of this grand undertaking can be traced back to 1927 when Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, began the arduous task of carving the faces into the granite rock. The project was no small feat; it demanded meticulous planning, complex engineering, and the dedicated efforts of hundreds of workers. The construction, which extended from October 4, 1927, to October 31, 1941, saw no fatalities, a testament to the safety measures implemented during the work. The project was finally declared complete just weeks before the United States entered World War II.

Congressional approval for the project was secured on March 3, 1925, marking a critical step towards realizing Borglum's vision. President Calvin Coolidge played a key role in securing federal funding, underscoring the national importance of the memorial. His efforts were instrumental in making the project a reality. The initial dedication ceremony was held on August 29, 1936, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled to Mount Rushmore to officially dedicate the partially completed monument. The final figures, those of Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, were dedicated on September 17, 1937, and July 2, 1939, respectively. The site's transformation into a monumental symbol of American history was complete.

The choice of presidents was deliberate, each figure representing a pivotal period in American history. George Washington, the first president, embodies the nation's birth. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the architect of the Louisiana Purchase, symbolizes growth and expansion. Abraham Lincoln, who steered the nation through the Civil War, represents preservation and unity. Theodore Roosevelt, with his focus on conservation and progressive policies, embodies the development and forward-thinking spirit of the nation. Together, they represent the core ideals and turning points that have defined the United States.

The scale of the memorial is awe-inspiring. The heads of the presidents are approximately 60 feet (18 meters) tall, carved into the granite rock of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Each eye is 11 feet wide, and each nose measures about 20 feet high. The entire mountain, approximately 465 feet in total height, serves as the canvas for this extraordinary work of art. There are 506 steps to reach the summit of the mountain, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scale of the project.

Interestingly, the three surveyors immortalized on Mount Rushmore, combined, only had 5 years of surveying and mapping experience in an official capacity. While Washington was the most prolific surveyor among the group, Jefferson also contributed significantly to the profession. The inclusion of these figures within the presidential faces demonstrates their understanding of the importance of mapping and property rights.

The question of whether a fifth face would be added to Mount Rushmore has been raised over time. However, there has never been any official plan to do so. In the 1930s, there was a proposal to add Theodore Roosevelt, but this was never carried out. Today, there are no plans to add any additional presidents to the memorial. The memorial itself was completed in 1941, but the spirit of the project continues to be seen in those who are drawn to the Black Hills.

Beyond the impressive artistry and symbolism, Mount Rushmore has also had an impact on the local economy and tourism. President Coolidges efforts to garner federal funding, together with the fundraising drives initiated, played a role in making Mount Rushmore an economic asset to the state and region. The monument draws approximately 3 million visitors yearly, each of whom contributes to the economic viability of the Black Hills.

The construction of Mount Rushmore demanded a large, coordinated workforce. From 1927 to 1941, roughly 400 workers labored, each doing more than operate a jackhammer. They worked long hours to build a memorial that people from across the nation and around the world would come to see. The workers earned about $8 a day, working in conditions which often required climbing to considerable heights, and their dedication was essential to the projects completion.

The legacy of Mount Rushmore is enduring. The monument has become an enduring symbol of American democracy and the nation's commitment to liberty, unity, and democratic principles. The memorial embodies the values, ideals, and leadership of the four presidents during crucial periods in American history. The sculpture stands as a tangible reminder of the nation's journey, its challenges, and its triumphs, inspiring those who visit to reflect on the past and contemplate the future.

Mount Rushmore is a reminder that throughout history, various U.S. Presidents had a prior professional career in land surveying. This is a fact that is often overlooked. Many Presidents throughout the years influenced this profession in various ways. The first President of the United States, George Washington, was a surveyor. He also represents a key figure in the history of American surveying. His early training as a surveyor helped him understand land management, property rights, and the importance of accurate mapping. In this way, his career helped shape the development of the United States.

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Mount Rushmore Presidents Photograph by Clarice Lakota

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