Mt. Rushmore

Wow! It's only a few miles away, but we are not in the wilderness anymore. This is an "attraction."




I don't have much to say about Mt. Rushmore...it's impressive, but kind of odd, too. Giant heads in a mountain?




A South Dakota historian came up with the idea of carving the likeness of famous people in the side of a mountain to increase tourism to his state. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, chose the site as well as the subjects (which gave him federal funding.) Construction began in 1927. After his death, Borglum's son continued his work until funding ended in 1941. This is why we have head shots instead of full-frontals. The two million visitors each year are proof that Mt. Rushmore is the tourist trap it was intended to be.




I must say that I am intrigued by Teddy Roosevelt. He is described as being noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, his "cowboy persona" and his robust masculinity. He wrote books, ran a cattle ranch, and fought police corruption. That was before he became president at 42. We have him to thank for many of our National Parks. He declined re-election, choosing instead to safari in Africa and tour in Europe. I would speak softly and carry a big stick with this guy any time. I think I'll add him to my list of five people, dead or alive, I'd like to dine with. (Eddie Vedder is on that list, too!)



OK, we came, we saw, let's go!






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