Sal's Journey
By Cassie Wezniak
Mount Rushmore Monument
History
The time spent working on the monument began in 1927, and it ended in 1941. Over 400 workers went through dangerous conditions, having to remove 450,000 tons of rock. The monument finally resulted with four president head carved into rock, each reaching 60 feet in height. The sculpting was modeled after Gutzon Borglum's design, but was needed t0o be cut in half so that, instead of the waist-up sculptures, the presidents' heads were carved alone. Today, Mount Rushmore welcomes over two million tourists and visitors, as it is one of America's most popular tourist attractions.
Climate
July and August are usually hot, but in the summer it is common for warm days and cool nights. Also in the summer, the afternoon thunderstorms could possible bring hail and fog. The snow may start in September, possibly last until Mid-May, and the winter night's temperature could reach below zero.
Activities and Events
With its own personal campground, Mount Rushmore offers mini golf, biking, camping, fishing, even swimming! The monument also has a personal snack bar, so that tourists can grab a quick meal and drink while gazing at the giant sculpture. Mount Rushmore will be having a big celebration and reenactment on Independence Day (July 4) at the monument.
Fascinating Facts
Some fun facts are:
1. In all 14 years working with over 400 men, no one died at work.
2. The monument was mainly carved during the Great Depression.
3. A legend says that the first ever coffee break took place during the carving on one cold morning.
4. Mount Rushmore sponsored a baseball team.
5. Over 90% was carved using dynamite.
1. In all 14 years working with over 400 men, no one died at work.
2. The monument was mainly carved during the Great Depression.
3. A legend says that the first ever coffee break took place during the carving on one cold morning.
4. Mount Rushmore sponsored a baseball team.
5. Over 90% was carved using dynamite.
Association with Native Americans
Mount Rushmore was built on the Black Hills, with belonged to the Indians, breaking a treaty. This caused Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse to lead various Sioux tribes against the United States army. This is a site of the last major defeat of the Native Americans at the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.
Bibliography
http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/mount-rushmore
http://www.us-parks.com/mount-rushmore-national-memorial/climate.html
http://koa.com/campgrounds/mount-rushmore/overview/
http://www.nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/independence-day-events.htm
http://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/mount-rushmore/facts-figures#.VTk71a1M650
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/biography/rushmore-sioux/
http://www.us-parks.com/mount-rushmore-national-memorial/climate.html
http://koa.com/campgrounds/mount-rushmore/overview/
http://www.nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/independence-day-events.htm
http://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/mount-rushmore/facts-figures#.VTk71a1M650
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/biography/rushmore-sioux/