Original Design For Mount Rushmore

The Genesis of a Monument: The Original Design for Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of the Black Hills, South Dakota, is an iconic American landmark. Its four monumental presidential heads – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln – are instantly recognizable worldwide. But the monument's final form wasn't the initial vision. This article delves into the original design for Mount Rushmore, exploring the evolution of the project from its inception to its completion, revealing fascinating details about the artistic choices, challenges faced, and the individuals involved in bringing this ambitious undertaking to life. Understanding the original design reveals a much more complex and ambitious project than the final result, highlighting the compromises and creative decisions that shaped this enduring American symbol.

The Initial Vision: A Celebration of the West

The story begins not with presidents, but with the American West. The original proposal, conceived by the South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson in 1923, aimed to attract tourism to the Black Hills. Robinson envisioned a monumental sculpture celebrating the pioneers and important historical figures who helped shape the region's development. His idea wasn't for a singular focus on presidential figures, but rather a broader representation of the West's complex history. This initial concept encompassed a much larger and more ambitious scope, significantly different from the final presidential quartet.

The scale was intended to be grand, envisioned as a massive undertaking that would draw visitors from far and wide. Robinson sought to capture the spirit of westward expansion, a pivotal theme in American identity. He envisioned figures representing various aspects of the West's history: explorers, Native Americans, cowboys, and significant figures in the region's development. This initial design was intended to be a sprawling epic, a multi-faceted tribute to the complex narrative of westward expansion, far exceeding the confines of the ultimately chosen presidential theme.

The Arrival of Borglum and a Shift in Focus

The choice of sculptor proved pivotal in the project's trajectory. Doane Robinson reached out to Gutzon Borglum, a renowned sculptor known for his monumental works. Borglum, though initially hesitant, eventually became deeply invested in the project. He brought his own vision and artistic sensibilities to the table, subtly and then decisively altering the project's trajectory. While initially intrigued by Robinson's broader concept, Borglum saw an opportunity to create something different, something he felt would have a more lasting and potent impact.

Borglum's artistic temperament, combined with his conviction that a focus on prominent national figures would garner greater public interest and funding, led to a dramatic shift in direction. He proposed a new vision, centered around the faces of four American presidents. This change, while seemingly simple, represented a fundamental shift in the project's narrative. The initial vision of a multifaceted representation of westward expansion was replaced with a more concentrated, symbolic representation of American leadership and ideals, focusing on the country's history through the lens of its most revered presidents.

The Evolution of the Design: From Multiple Figures to Presidential Heads

The original design, encompassing a sprawling array of figures representing the West's complex history, was progressively scaled back. Borglum's proposals involved multiple figures, but the sheer scale and complexity of carving such a vast composition into the mountainside proved too daunting. Even with the shift towards a presidential theme, initial plans included full-body figures, envisioned as dynamic representations, each president depicted in a pose characteristic of their historical significance. However, the sheer magnitude of such an endeavor, coupled with the technical challenges inherent in carving such immense figures into the granite, forced compromises and revisions.

The decision to shift from full-body figures to just the heads represented a significant simplification of the original design. This change dramatically reduced the project's scope while still retaining the monumentality Borglum envisioned. This wasn’t a simple cost-cutting measure; it was a strategic adjustment driven by practical considerations and the evolving artistic vision. The concentrated focus on the heads allowed for a higher degree of detail and artistic refinement within the constraints of the colossal scale and the available resources.

Practical Challenges and Artistic Compromises

The sheer scale of Mount Rushmore presented unprecedented engineering and artistic challenges. The granite itself was incredibly hard, requiring specialized tools and techniques. The weather conditions posed significant challenges, impacting the progress of the work. The entire undertaking was a logistical marvel, demanding meticulous planning and execution. Furthermore, the remote location required the construction of roads, housing, and other infrastructure to support the workforce.

The evolution of the design was influenced by these practical challenges. The initial concept of full-body figures, while artistically ambitious, was deemed impractical given the scale of the project and the inherent difficulties in working on the mountainside. The switch to heads wasn't merely a pragmatic decision, but one that had significant artistic implications. The shift altered the narrative, focusing on the symbolic representation of presidential power and influence rather than a broader historical narrative.

The Final Design: A Symbolic Representation of American Ideals

The final design, with the four iconic presidential heads, emerged as a product of artistic vision, engineering limitations, and budgetary constraints. While it fell far short of the initial broader scope, it still maintained an impressive scale and undeniable visual impact. The monumental scale of the work, combined with the carefully rendered features of the presidents, creates a powerful symbolic representation of American leadership and history. The monument became an embodiment of national identity, a tangible symbol of American ideals.

The chosen presidents themselves represent significant eras in American history. Washington, the first president, symbolizes the nation's founding; Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, represents the ideals of liberty and equality; Roosevelt, a progressive president who oversaw the expansion of American power and influence, embodies the nation's ambitions; and Lincoln, the president who led the country through the Civil War, represents the preservation of the Union and the fight against slavery. This carefully chosen quartet reflects a curated narrative of American history, highlighting key milestones and pivotal figures.

Beyond the Presidents: The Unsung Elements of the Original Vision

While the presidential heads dominate the final design, it's crucial to remember the initial vision of a broader representation of the West's history. While this broader vision was ultimately abandoned, it offers a glimpse into the complexities of the project's inception. Understanding the initial concept allows us to appreciate the artistic compromises made during the project’s evolution and to contemplate the narratives that might have unfolded had the original plans been fully realized. The discarded elements of the initial design highlight the many stories that remained untold within Mount Rushmore's final form.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, though a significantly altered version of the original design, stands as a testament to human ambition and artistic skill. It's a globally recognized symbol of American power and ideals. While the final monument differs significantly from the initial concept, understanding the original design allows for a richer appreciation of the artistic evolution and the complexities of its creation. The story of Mount Rushmore extends beyond the four presidential heads, encompassing the initial vision, the challenges overcome, and the narrative choices that ultimately shaped this enduring national icon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What were the main differences between the original design and the final design of Mount Rushmore? The original design envisioned a much larger and more diverse representation of the pioneers and key figures of the American West, potentially including Native American figures and other significant individuals from the region's history. The final design focused solely on the heads of four US Presidents.

• Why was the original design changed? The original design was significantly scaled back due to practical challenges like the immense scale of the project, the difficulty of working with the granite, and budgetary constraints. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum also advocated for a more focused representation with readily recognizable figures that would garner greater public support and funding.

• Were there any other figures considered for Mount Rushmore beyond the four presidents? Yes, initially many figures relating to the history of the American West were considered. However, Borglum eventually opted for presidents due to their greater national recognition and symbolic resonance.

• How long did it take to complete Mount Rushmore? The project spanned from 1927 to 1941, taking fourteen years to complete.

• What materials were used to carve Mount Rushmore? Dynamite and specialized tools were used to carve the massive granite faces of the presidents into the mountainside.

• What is the significance of the chosen presidents? The four presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln – represent significant eras in American history, symbolizing the nation's founding, ideals of liberty and equality, expansion and progress, and the preservation of the Union.

Conclusion

The journey from Doane Robinson's initial vision of a sprawling monument celebrating the American West to the iconic presidential heads of Mount Rushmore is a compelling narrative of artistic evolution, engineering ingenuity, and the compromises inherent in any large-scale project. While the final design significantly deviates from the original concept, understanding the genesis of Mount Rushmore offers a deeper appreciation of its complexities, artistic decisions, and its enduring impact on the American landscape and national identity. The story of Mount Rushmore is not merely about four presidential faces carved into a mountainside; it's about the dreams, challenges, and compromises that shaped one of America's most iconic landmarks. It’s a story that continues to resonate, reminding us of the evolving nature of national narratives and the enduring power of monumental art.