Showing posts with label Mt Rushmore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mt Rushmore. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

MT. RUSHMORE

Wednesday, August 11
Mt. Rushmore is just a brief ride from Rapid City, SD, where we are staying during Sturgis. It's a tourist favorite and despite the picture postcard connotations, a startling sight to see. The monument was a WPA project, carved from 1928-1934. Several crusty western bikers referred to it as "big government art." I did not ask what their families were doing during the depression.
A well designed museum presents Glutzon Borglum's models, and a fine series of sequential photographs of the mountain being carved.

Though most people are familiar with the monument, there are unusual angles of observation available when up close. I only regret not finding a good angle on Jefferson's nose.
George Washington seen from a crevice
Abe Lincoln from beneath his beard