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The presidents were selected on the basis of what each symbolized. George Washington represents the struggle for independence; Thomas Jefferson, the idea of government by the people; Abraham Lincoln, the idea of equality and the permanent union of the states; and Theodore Roosevelt, the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs.

South Dakota state historian Doane Robinson conceived the idea in 1923 to attract more people to the Black Hills of South Dakota with colossal carvings of western heroes. Robinson gained support from major players in South Dakota and Washington DC with the help of Senator Peter Norbeck and Congressman William Williamson. Congress passed legislation authorizing the mountain carving in Harney National Forest Preserve (now Black Hills National Forest).

Robinson contacted Gutzon Borglum. Borglum, who agreed to come out to the Black Hills in 1924 to look at the area and see if the carving was possible. He was told about Mount Rushmore. When Borglum saw the mountain he pointed to it and said, "America will march along that skyline."

Borglum liked Mount Rushmore because it faced southeast which meant it would receive good light throughout most of the day. It was the highest peak in the immediate vicinity, and the granite was very resistant, eroding one inch every 10,000 years. Borglum told Robinson they needed subjects of a national focus. Robinson agreed and Borglum selected George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

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16y ago

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