Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is visited by nearly three million people each year that come to marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota and learn about the birth, growth, development and preservation of the country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

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Who We Are

"The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt."
Gutzon Borglum

Our History

Mount Rushmore stands as the great American treasure and as the "Shrine of Democracy." This 60-foot tall granite carving pays tribute to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. In 1998 a $56 million redevelopment of Mt. Rushmore was completed with the addition of a new parking structure, amphitheater, museum/theater complex, visitor center, Presidential trail, gift shop and dining facilities. 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is host to almost three million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. They come to marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota and to learn about the birth, growth, development and the preservation of our country. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has grown in fame as a symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds.

All the cultures that make up the fabric of this country are represented by the memorial and surrounding Black Hills. One of the most important gifts we can give our visitors at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an understanding and love for our nation's history and cultures and an appreciation of the importance of caring for that legacy. 

Native American tribes such as the Lakota Sioux, as well as many other plains Indian tribes painted pictographs on hides, skins and robes to document history and tradition for themselves and future generations. Tatanka (buffalo) were used for food, clothing, medicine and most everything affecting the Sioux way of life. This tradition is celebrated by the talents of artists and craftsmen such as Frank Shortey, Merle Locke and Melvin Minor through their painted buffalo and deer hides, painted buffalo skulls, ceremonial staffs and dance sticks.