Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota. It is billed as the “greatest free attraction” in the United States.

The mountain was named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York attorney who was investigating mining claims in the Black Hills during 1885. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose this mountain for his famous sculpture because of its height, the soft grainy consistency of the granite, and the way it catches the sun for the greatest part of the day.

The four presidents represented in the Mount Rushmore sculpture were selected on the basis of what each symbolized.

• George Washington represents the struggle for independence.
• Thomas Jefferson represents the idea of government by the people.
• Abraham Lincoln represents equality and the permanent union of the states.
• Theodore Roosevelt was selected because of his 20th century role of the U.S. in world affairs.

Borglum began carving the structure in 1927, a project that spanned 14 years, only six and a half of which were spent actually carving the mountain. Weather delays and the lack of funding were Borglum’s greatest deterrents in completing the Mount Rushmore sculpture. The project cost $900,000 and continued until Borglum passed away in 1941. Since that time, no carving has been done on Mount Rushmore.

In 1998, a $56 million redevelopment was completed with the addition of a new parking facility, amphitheater, museum/theater complex, visitor orientation center, Presidential trail, gift shop, bookstore, and dining facilities. An evening lighting ceremony is a must-see when touring the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore.

While we are always researching new sites and adding to our list, please contact us with your suggestions and/or feedback. Thank you!

For relocation assistance and other online resources, please visit the appropriate web page using the buttons on the left side of this page.