Doane Robinson of the South Dakota Historical Society wanted a monument to be built in South Dakota in order to help the economy of the state by attracting tourism. In 1923, he … See more

Thomas Jefferson's head was started next, to the right of Washington. Before the head was complete, Borglum requested that he be blasted off due to poor rock quality. Jefferson's … See more

While Theodore Roosevelt's head was being constructed, accommodations for tourists were being built, including plumbing, lighting, … See more

A few hundred workers, most of whom were miners, sculptors, or rock climbers, used dynamite, jackhammers, and chisels to remove material … See more

George Washington's head was started first. Due to the economic instability of the United States caused by the Great Depression, it was completed in seven years, and dedicated to the public on Independence Day 1934. A large American flag was … See more

Abraham Lincoln's head was the most challenging because of his beard, but his head was completed on the far right of the cliff. Lincoln's face … See more

Due to unforeseen vulnerabilities in the granite, Lincoln and Jefferson were relocated from the positions in Borglum's original design. … See more