Welcome to our blog post about Thomas Jefferson and the fifh face of Mount Rushmore!
Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father of the United States, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the tird President of the United States. He was born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia and died on July 4, 1826 at Monticello in Virginia.
As one of our nation’s most influential figures, it is no surprise that he is included among the four faces of Mount Rushmore. However, some visitors have asked if there is a fifth face carved into this iconic monument. The answer is no; there is no secret fifth face carved into Mount Rushmore.
Nevertheless, for over 20 years visitors were greeted by Ben Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota spiritual leader who was unofficially referred to as the “fifth face” of Mount Rushmore. He was invited by sculptor Gutzon Borglum to be part of the original dedication ceremony in 1927 and remained at the site for many years afterward. His presence provied a unique connection between Native American culture and our nation’s history.
It is important to remember that Thomas Jefferson wasn’t always seen as a hero by all Americans. In recent years historians have re-examined his legacy and come to terms with his complicated history as a slave owner and politician who advocated for policies that marginalized many people including Native Americans. Despite this we recognize that he played an important role in shaping our country’s future and his presence at Mount Rushmore serves as an enduring reminder of America’s past.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Thomas Jefferson and whether there is a fith face on Mount Rushmore!
Who Was the Fifth President Supposed to Be on Mount Rushmore?
The fifth president on Mount Rushmore was originally intended to be former President Thomas Jefferson, due to his significant contributions to the founding of the United States. He was initially chosen by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, as the fifth president to represent the founding fathers of America. However, due to engineering difficulties and time constraints, Borglum ultimately decided to replace Jefferson with former President Abraham Lincoln. As a result, Lincoln is featured as the fifth and final president on Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
Source: nypost.com
Ben Black Elk as the Fifth Face on Mount Rushmore
No, thee is not a fifth face carved into Mount Rushmore. However, for over 20 years, visitors to the monument were welcomed by Ben Black Elk, who was sometimes referred to as the “fifth face” of Mount Rushmore. Ben Black Elk was an Oglala Lakota Sioux spiritual leader who served as a guide and cultural interpreter for those visiting the memorial. He stood at the base of the mountain wearing a feathered headdress and welcomed visitors while providing insight into Lakota culture and traditions. Although he was not physically part of the monument, his presence has been an important part of many people’s visits to Mount Rushmore over the years.
The Original Proposition of Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore was originally imagined by the historian Doane Robinson, who wanted to create a sculpture of four of the greatest presidents in American history. He proposed the idea of carving the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt into the side of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Initially, Robinson intended for Washington to be flanked by Jefferson on his right and Robert E. Lee on his left. However, after much debate and controversy over putting a Confederate icon on such a prominent monument, Robinson decided to replace Robert E. Lee with Theodore Roosevelt instead. Thus, the final configuration of Mount Rushmore becme George Washington on the far left, Thomas Jefferson in the center-left position, Theodore Roosevelt in the center-right position, and Abraham Lincoln on the far right.
The Reason Behind the Limited Number of Faces on Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore was originally intended to feature the faces of notable American presidents in a tribute to ther accomplishments and contributions to the nation. The four chosen for the monument were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. These four men represent the nation’s birth, growth, preservation and development as a country. Washington was chosen as the first president of the United States, Jefferson for his role in forming the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln for his efforts to preserve the Union during the Civil War and Roosevelt for his dedication to conservation initiatives. With only 60 feet of rock face available on Mount Rushmore it was decided that these four presidents would be honored with their likenesses carved into the mountain.
The Unfinished Mount Rushmore: Exploring the Reasons Behind Its Incompletion
Mount Rushmore was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and construction began in 1927. It was originally planned that the figures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln would be carved from head to waist. However, due to a lack of funding, the project had to be cut short and the figures were only completed up to their chests. This marked the end of construction on Mount Rushmore as Borglum died from an embolism in March 1941 before the completion of his vision. His son Lincoln took over the project but he was unable to secure sufficient funds to continue the work. As a result, Mount Rushmore has remained unfinished snce 1941.
The Presence of an Indian Head on Mount Rushmore
Yes, there is an Indian head on Mt Rushmore. The left side of the mountain is entirely devoted to the image of a Native American man wearing a feathered headdress. His nose is in the shape of George Washington’s lapel and his chin is at the bottom of the carved portion.
Who Is Not Represented on Mount Rushmore?
The four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. However, there are many more figures in American history who could have been included on the monument. Some of these include Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Jackson, and William McKinley. Additionally, Native American leader Ben Black Elk is also missing from Mount Rushmore. He was a prominent member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and was known for appearing in thousands of photographs with tourists at Mount Rushmore every summer since the 1950s.
The Origin of the Name Mt Rushmore
Mt Rushmore is named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer who visited the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1885. Rushmore was sent to investigate and inspect mining claims in the area, and was so impressed by the majestic landscape that he suggested naming the highest peak after himself. The name stuck, and today Mt Rushmore stands as a monument to four of America’s most iconic presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – carved into the rock face of the mountain.
What Secrets Lie Within Mount Rushmore?
Hidden inside Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota is a secret chamber, designed by the monument’s sculptor Gutzon Borglum. This chamber is inaccessible to the public and located within Lincoln’s frontal lobe. It was intended to be a room dedicated to the history of the United States, containing records and documents about the country’s past. These artifacts have never been revealed or seen by anyone outside of those authorized to access them.
Who Funded the Construction of Mount Rushmore?
The primary source of funding for the Mount Rushmore project was the federal government, with a total cost of $1 million. Mount Rushmore was the brainchild of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who worked on it until his death in 1941. The project was authorized by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 and began in 1927. The U.S. Treasury Department and Interior Department also contributed funds to the project, while the state of South Dakota provided additional resources including manpower and materials. The private sector also provided some financial support through donations and corporate sponsorships.
Exploring the Interior of Mount Rushmore
Unfortunately, no one is able to go inside Mount Rushmore. Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor responsible for creating the monument, designed a secret chamber behind the facade of Abraham Lincoln that is not accessible to visitors. The chamber was intended to hold informaion about the monument and America’s history from 1776 to 1906. This room remains sealed off and inaccessible due to safety concerns.
Cost of Visiting Mount Rushmore
Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial is free of charge; however, there is a fee to park your vehicle. The cost for private passenger vehicles is $10, while seniors aged 62 and older can purchase a parking pass for $5 and active duty military personnel can park for free. All parking passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase. To avoid the parking fee altogether, visitors may choose to take advantage of the shuttle service povided by the Black Hills Central Reservations office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father of the United States, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. He was instrumental in crafting the American Constitution and shaped many of the policies that shaped our nation. His legacy lives on in Mount Rushmore, where his face is immortalized alongside those of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
