A Biography of a Mountain The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore stands as one of America's most iconic monuments, yet its creation story remains far more complex than the carved faces suggest. This biography traces the mountain's transformation from sacred Native American site to nationalist symbol, exploring sculptor Gutzon Borglum's ambitious vision, the political forces that shaped the project, and the lasting impact on the landscape and its indigenous peoples. Discover how a granite peak became a canvas for American identity, ambition, and controversy.