Mount Rushmore Facts For Kids
Mount Rushmore is a famous monument in the United States, known for its massive rock carving of four famous presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Here are some interesting facts about Mount Rushmore that kids may find fascinating:
1. The monument is located in South Dakota, near the town of Keystone, in the Black Hills region of the state.
2. The idea for Mount Rushmore came from a South Dakota historian named Doane Robinson. He wanted to create a tourist attraction in the Black Hills that would bring more visitors to the area.
3. The monument was created by a sculptor named Gutzon Borglum and his team of workers. The carving began in 1927 and took 14 years to complete.
4. The faces of the presidents were carved into the rock using dynamite, drills, and other tools. The workers had to hang from ropes to complete the carving, which was a dangerous job.
5. Each president’s face is approximately 60 feet tall, from chin to forehead.
6. The monument was named after a New York lawyer named Charles Rushmore, who came to South Dakota in the late 1800s to check out some mining claims. The mountain had been known by various names, but after Rushmore’s visit, it became known as “Mount Rushmore.”
7. The faces of the presidents were chosen because they represent important moments in American history. George Washington was the country’s first president, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln helped end slavery, and Theodore Roosevelt was known for his conservation efforts.
8. The monument attracts over 2 million visitors per year and has become one of the most famous landmarks in the United States.
9. In addition to the four presidents, Mount Rushmore also features a small museum, gift shop, and a 0.6-mile presidential trail that takes visitors around the base of the mountain.
10. Mount Rushmore is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors may see these animals roaming around the park during their visit.
Now that you know some of the fascinating facts about Mount Rushmore, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of this important American landmark.