PRESIDENTS OF STONE

Black Hills National forest is compressed of ½ million acres of pine forest, against dramatic granite peaks. Hence Black Hills name.
The hills are the highest point east of the Rockies. Rich with Old West History, gold mines and ghost towns.
The Black Hills are home to the fourth longest cave system in the world and the largest operating gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. Jewel cave and Homestead Gold Mine.
Visitors come to the Black Hills of South Dakota to see one thing, Mount Rushmore National Monument.
America’s shrine to democracy carved in stone. Four presidents were chosen. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.
Actual carving time was six and a half years but it took 14 years to complete. Work was halted when funds ran out and again for bad weather.
Rock was removed with dynamite and drills by men suspended over the face of the mountains.
It looks so much bigger when you see it in person. It gives you a humble feeling as you walk up to the carvings through a walkway of flags flying. All States are represented with their own flag.
The visitor’s center is open all year. But most of the visitors come in the spring, summer and fall.
A special evening lighting program is presented after dark.
Information is available at the monument.
The best information is in Keystone just a few miles from the National Monument.
It is a historical site, also known as the Rushmore Borglum Story.
The carver was named Gutzon Borglum. It is best if you go to it first. It will prepare you for a memorable visit to the monument. It is just 3 miles from Mount Rushmore.
You will see all of the details it took to get it going and how he chooses the Mountain he did. How much work it took just to put it all together.
It is very interesting as it is told by a movie where you can see day to day progress.
There is a lot to see in that small area of South Dakota. Caves to explore, old train to ride, old towns to shop in, and Custer State Park full of animals.
Plan on staying a few days and go into Rapid City.


DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer: South Dakota