Mount Rushmore Timeline
1923
Doane Robinson, a South Dakota State Historian, suggests a sculpture in the Hills.
1925
Both the Federal and State Governments authorize a carving.
1927
President Coolidge hands Gutzon Borglum a set of drill bits at the first ceremonial drilling.
1929
The stock market crashes setting off The Great Depression.
1930
The Washington figure was dedicated.
1933
The Mount Rushmore project became part of the National Park Service.
1936
Attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Jefferson figure was dedicated.
1937
Dedication of the Lincoln figure.
1938
Gutzon Borglum secretly began blasting a Hall of Records in the mountain behind the heads.
1939
Dedication of the Roosevelt figure
1939
On September 1st, Hitler invaded Poland starting World War II
1941
Gutzon Borglum dies in Chicago 7 months short of the competition. The remaining drilling takes place under the direction of his son, Lincoln Borglum.
Related Links
Mount Rushmore Tours
Scenic Drive to Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore's Four Faces
Rushmore History & Fun Facts
Mount Rushmore Timeline
Rushmore & National Park Service
Mount Rushmore Hours