Why Are There 4 Presidents On Mount Rushmore?

In the 1950s and 1960s, Benjamin Black Elk, a respected elder of the local Lakota Sioux tribe and the son of the renowned medicine man Black Elk, gained recognition as the “Fifth Face of Mount Rushmore.” His father, Black Elk, had been a witness to the historic Battle of the Little Bighorn. Benjamin Black Elk became an iconic figure at the monument, donning traditional Native American attire and graciously posing for countless photographs with tourists on a daily basis. His presence added a significant cultural dimension to the Mount Rushmore experience, allowing visitors to connect with the rich heritage and history of the Lakota Sioux people.

“Why aren’t more presidents on Mount Rushmore?” This question has been a topic of discussion for some time. According to a spokesperson for the monument, there are two primary reasons why a fifth president won’t be added to the iconic sculpture. Firstly, there is a lack of usable rock on which to carve another likeness. Secondly, the decision goes against the original vision of the artist who created Mount Rushmore. Beyond these logistical challenges and artistic considerations, public sentiment has also played a role in this debate. In a 2010 poll, Americans expressed a strong desire to see John F. Kennedy added to Mount Rushmore, reflecting their interest in expanding the monument to include a broader representation of their nation’s history. However, as of August 15, 2020, no changes had been made to the monument.

Who are the four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore, and what connects them? Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind this iconic monument, selected Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln for a specific reason. He believed that these four leaders symbolized key aspects of American history, spanning the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States. In his view, they collectively represented the first 130 years of the nation’s history. This choice was made to honor and commemorate the pivotal roles these presidents played in shaping America’s development and identity.