Mount Rushmore National Memorial

I am a big, strong mountain in a beautiful place with lots of trees called the Black Hills of South Dakota. My body is made of hard, gray stone called granite. If you look up, way, way up, you will see a surprise. Four giant, friendly faces are carved into my side, looking out over the world. They are taller than the tallest buildings you have ever seen. They smile in the sunshine and are quiet when the stars come out. Can you guess who I am? I am the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and I am so happy to meet you.

A long time ago, a man with a big idea looked up at me. His name was Gutzon Borglum, and he was a sculptor, which is an artist who makes things out of stone. He dreamed of carving something that would make everyone feel proud and happy. On October 4th, 1927, he and a team of helpers began their big job. They worked very carefully, chipping away little bits of my stone, like they were giving me a haircut. Slowly, the faces of four important presidents appeared. There was George Washington, who helped start the country. Then came Thomas Jefferson, who helped it grow bigger. Next was Theodore Roosevelt, who loved nature. And finally, Abraham Lincoln, who helped everyone stay together. The carving was all finished on October 31st, 1941, and I was ready to greet the world.

Today, I get to see so many smiling visitors. Families just like yours come from all over to look up at my giant stone faces. I love to watch the children point and say, “Wow.”. It makes my rocky heart feel warm and happy. I stand here to remind everyone that if you have a big dream and you work together with your friends, you can make something amazing and wonderful. I will always be here, watching over the beautiful hills and encouraging you to dream your biggest dreams.