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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Mount Rushmore National MemorialSome of the lights used to illuminate the memorial at dusk.
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Frequently Asked Questions
 

1) Who created the sculpture?
    Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers.

2) How much did the sculpture cost?
    $989,992.32.

3) How long did it take to build?
    14 years
    October 4, 1927 - October 31,1941

4) Are the faces eroding?
    No, The estimated erosion rate is
    1 inch every 10,000 years.

5) Who is the mountain named after?
    Charles E. Rushmore, a New York City
    Attorney, in 1885 who was out here on
    business.

6) Were there any deaths during the carving?
    No.
Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Mount Rushmore is named after a New York City Attorney? Charles E. Rushmore was sent out to this area in 1884 to check legal titles on properties. On his way back to Pine Camp he asked Bill Challis the name of this mountain. Bill replied, "Never had a name but from now on we'll call it Rushmore."

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Last Updated: August 22, 2006 at 10:46 EST