The Legacy of Mount Rushmore and the Visionary Gutzon Borglum

Introduction

Mount Rushmore, a monumental sculpture carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota, stands as one of the world's most iconic works of art. However, its creation did not happen overnight. The idea for Mount Rushmore came from South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson and was brought to life by the visionary Gutzon Borglum. This article delves into Borglum’s journey, his initial projects, and the epic adventure that led to Mount Rushmore.

Gutzon Borglum: Artistic Vision and Fascination

John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum (March 25, 1867 – March 6, 1941) was an accomplished artist and sculptor. He was best known for his colossal works of art, including Mount Rushmore. Borglum's fascination with gigantic scale and themes of heroic nationalism aligned perfectly with his extroverted personality. He was particularly known for his monumental sculptures, such as the head of Abraham Lincoln at the United States Capitol Crypt in Washington.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Borglum's work on the head of Abraham Lincoln, carved from a six-ton block of marble, was exhibited in Theodore Roosevelt’s White House and now resides in the Crypt of the U.S. Capitol. This historic piece marked a significant achievement in Borglum's career. Additionally, in 1908, he won a competition for a statue of Philip Sheridan and erected a second version in Chicago in 1923. These accolades demonstrated Borglum's skill and recognition as a sculptor.

Stone Mountain: A Talented Artist in Controversial Circumstances

Originally, Borglum was part of the Grundy commission for the stone carving of Stone Mountain in Georgia. As a member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), his nativist stance made him appear ideologically sympathetic to the project. Approached by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, he agreed to sculpt a 20-foot bust of General Robert E. Lee. His initial project included a high-relief frieze featuring Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jackson, with a KKK altar included as a request from Helen Plane. However, due to World War I, progress was delayed, and tensions escalated when Borglum left the project in 1925, with his work ultimately destroyed.

The Birth of Mount Rushmore

Doane Robinson, the South Dakota state historian, conceived the idea for Mount Rushmore in 1923. Robinson believed that a monument to the westward saga could boost tourism in South Dakota. Borglum was immediately drawn to the project and began work on Mount Rushmore in 1927.

The monument would feature four former U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. After two years, Robinson's initial idea for the Jefferson head was blown up, and work continued on the next two presidents. Borglum’s work at Mount Rushmore was a monumental challenge, requiring cutting-edge techniques for sculpting on such a large scale. For instance, he developed a giant magic lantern to trace images onto the mountain face.

Technological Innovations and Daily Challenges

Despite the sheer scale, Borglum managed to make significant progress on Mount Rushmore. He alternated between supervising work on-site and touring the world to gather support and funding. His dedication and perfectionism were unparalleled, though his methods sometimes brought conflict. His son, Lincoln Borglum, took over the assistant sculptor role and continued the work after his father's death in 1941.

Legacy and Impact

Although Borglum and the project faced various obstacles, Mount Rushmore remains a national symbol and tourist attraction. Borglum's artistic vision and innovative techniques laid the groundwork for future monumental sculptures, ensuring that his legacy endures.

Today, visitors to Mount Rushmore can marvel at the skill and determination of Gutzon Borglum, who transformed a mountain into an enduring monument to heroic nationalism. Whether through his works at Stone Mountain or on the Black Hills, Borglum left an indelible mark on the history of American public art.