Selecting the Subjects

Revisiting Mount Rushmore requires a second look at the reasons held for selecting the subjects which Gutzon Borglum immortalized in stone. Just as with many other aspects of this monument, there are often valid criticisms and questions that provide alternative interpretations to the Monument's rhetoric of patriotism alone. The Anglo-American cultural viewpoint of Mount Rushmore as the patriotic "Shrine of Democracy" can be challenged in many ways, most of which involve deeper understandings of the Black Hills history and the resentment of old conflicts still simmering among Native Americans.

In that context, then, we need to examine not only the Anglo-American view of these distinguished U.S. presidents, but we need to at least briefly examine these presidents in terms of their own relationship to the Native Americans as well. Because of the powers of dynamite and the persistence of men, Mount Rushmore memorial is one of the more permanent installations of public sculpture in the United States. Understanding the relationship between the four presidents and both Anglo-American culture and their contemporary Native American cultures can give us insight into the symbolism with which this monument might be considered by Native Americans today.

George Washington

George Washington was selected as the first figure to be included on Mount Rushmore because of his status as the Father of the Nation, for being the first president of the United States, and for his role in securing Independence during the Revolutionary War. (wisegeek.com) The icon of
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