Avenue of Flags - Mount Rushmore at Night

Under the glow of nighttime lights, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is surrounded by the Avenue of Flags, where a flag represents every state and... more

by Susan Rissi Tregoning

Title

Avenue of Flags - Mount Rushmore at Night

Artist

Susan Rissi Tregoning

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Under the glow of nighttime lights, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is surrounded by the Avenue of Flags, where a flag represents every state and territory of the United States. The dark sky enhances the magnificence of the sculpture, evoking a peaceful and patriotic ambiance.

The impressive Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota. This iconic sculpture showcases the carved granite faces of four notable United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned this masterpiece, and with the help of his son Lincoln Borglum, they worked to bring it to life. Originally called the Shrine of Democracy, Borglum selected these four presidents to symbolize the nation's journey from its inception to its growth, development, and preservation. The project was sponsored by U.S. Senator Peter Norbeck from South Dakota, who secured federal funding for its construction in 1927. Between 1934 and 1939, the towering heads of the presidents were meticulously carved into the mountainside. Following Gutzon Borglum's passing in March 1941, his son Lincoln took over as head of the project.

Mount Rushmore was originally planned to show each president from head to waist. Still, due to financial limitations, construction ceased on October 31, 1941, with only Washington's sculpture featuring details below chin level. Despite this incomplete vision, Mount Rushmore remains a popular destination, drawing over two million visitors annually.

Copyright 2024 Susan Rissi Tregoning

Uploaded

March 13th, 2024