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