Learn what 4 presidents are on mount rushmore : A Beginner's Guide to American Sign Language

The four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind the monument, chose these four presidents because he believed they represented significant events in American history.
To provide more context, George Washington was chosen because he was the first President of the United States and played a crucial role in the country\'s founding. Thomas Jefferson was included due to his contributions to the expansion of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase and his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
Theodore Roosevelt was selected because of his efforts to preserve natural resources and establish national parks, while Abraham Lincoln was chosen because of his leadership during the Civil War and his impact on ending slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.
These four presidents were seen as influential figures who shaped the nation and their portraits serve as a representation of their leadership on Mount Rushmore.

The sculptor responsible for creating the Mount Rushmore Memorial was Gutzon Borglum.

The specific four presidents chosen to be depicted on Mount Rushmore were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. They were chosen for several reasons, which can be explained as follows:
1. George Washington: He was chosen because he was the first President of the United States and played a crucial role in the founding of the nation. He was also revered for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War.
2. Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson was chosen because of his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, which is a cornerstone of American democracy. He also served as the third President, overseeing the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
3. Theodore Roosevelt: Roosevelt was chosen due to his contributions to conservation and environmental preservation. He was known for his efforts in expanding the national park system and for being a progressive leader during his presidency.
4. Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln was chosen because of his leadership during the Civil War and his significance in abolishing slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. He is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history.
These four presidents were selected because they symbolize different aspects of American history, from the founding of the nation to the preservation of democracy and the fight for civil rights. The Mount Rushmore Memorial was created to honor their contributions and serve as a reminder of the remarkable history of the United States.

George Washington, the first president of the United States, made significant contributions to the country\'s history. Here is a detailed answer on his contributions:
1. Revolutionary War Leadership: Washington played a crucial role in leading the American Revolutionary War against Great Britain. As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and perseverance. His leadership was instrumental in securing the eventual victory of the American colonies.
2. Constitution and Presidency: After the Revolutionary War, Washington was chosen to preside over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he played a central role in shaping the United States Constitution. His leadership and support were crucial in the adoption and ratification of this foundational document.
3. Presidential Precedents: As the first president of the United States, Washington set important precedents that laid the foundation for the country\'s executive branch. He established the two-term limit for presidents, stepping down after serving two terms and ensuring a peaceful transition of power. This tradition continued for almost 150 years until the 22nd Amendment officially limited presidents to two terms in 1951.
4. Neutrality and Foreign Relations: Washington advocated for a policy of neutrality in foreign affairs, which helped to protect and consolidate the young nation. He sought to avoid entangling alliances and conflicts, focusing instead on internal development and maintaining peaceful relations with other countries.
5. Farewell Address: In his Farewell Address, Washington emphasized the importance of unity, national identity, and avoiding political factions. He warned against foreign influence and highlighted the significance of maintaining the principles and values upon which the United States was founded.
Overall, George Washington\'s contributions are extensive and foundational in establishing the United States as a democratic nation. His leadership during the Revolutionary War, involvement in shaping the Constitution, precedents as the first president, and diplomatic approach to foreign relations all played a vital role in shaping the history and future of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson, one of the presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore, is renowned for his numerous significant achievements. Here are some of the key accomplishments attributed to him:
1. Author of the Declaration of Independence: Jefferson is best known for his role in drafting the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. This document outlined the principles of individual liberty, equality, and self-governance that have been instrumental in shaping the United States.
2. Founding Father and Statesman: Jefferson played a crucial role in the early days of the United States as one of the Founding Fathers. He served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809, and his contributions in shaping the nation\'s political and governmental structure were significant.
3. Expansion of U.S. Territory: As President, Jefferson orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States overnight. This acquisition of a vast territory from France secured American control over the Mississippi River and opened up opportunities for westward expansion, which would shape the future of the nation.
4. Advocate for Education: Jefferson was a strong advocate for education and believed in the importance of an informed citizenry. His efforts in promoting public education led to the foundation of the University of Virginia, which he considered one of his greatest achievements.
5. Intellectual and Renaissance Man: Jefferson was a polymath with wide-ranging interests and intellectual pursuits. He was a prolific writer and an avid reader, collecting and contributing to a vast library that later formed the basis of the Library of Congress. He was also an architect and designed his famous residence, Monticello.
These are just a few of the many significant achievements associated with Thomas Jefferson. His contributions to the foundations of American democracy, territorial expansion, education, and his versatility as an intellectual continue to cement his place as one of the most influential figures in American history.

Theodore Roosevelt\'s presidency had a significant impact on the nation in several ways:
1. Progressive Reforms: Roosevelt is often associated with the Progressive movement, which aimed to address social, economic, and political problems caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization. He advocated for various progressive reforms, including regulating big businesses, protecting consumers, conserving natural resources, and improving working conditions. His efforts led to the creation of laws such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, which improved food safety standards and protected consumers from harmful products.
2. Trust-Busting: Roosevelt was known for his trust-busting efforts, targeting monopolies and unfair business practices. He aggressively used the Sherman Antitrust Act to dissolve large corporations, such as the Northern Securities Company and Standard Oil, in order to promote fair competition and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
3. Conservation and Environmentalism: Roosevelt was passionate about environmental conservation. He established several national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges across the country, including the Grand Canyon National Park and the Muir Woods National Monument. Through his policies and actions, he laid the groundwork for the conservation movement in the United States and set an example for future presidents to protect the nation\'s natural resources.
4. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: Roosevelt\'s presidency was marked by an assertive approach to foreign policy, often referred to as \"Big Stick Diplomacy.\" He believed in projecting American power and influence on the world stage to protect U.S. interests. Roosevelt brokered the end of the Russo-Japanese War, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 and establishing the United States as a global mediator. His international diplomacy set a precedent for American involvement in global affairs.
5. Expansion of Executive Powers: As president, Roosevelt significantly expanded the power and influence of the executive branch. He believed in the concept of a strong presidency and used his executive authority to push through reforms, preserve natural resources, and advance his agenda. His actions helped shape the modern presidency and influence subsequent presidents in their use of executive power.
Overall, Theodore Roosevelt\'s presidency had a transformative impact on the nation, bringing about progressive reforms, trust-busting, conservation efforts, diplomatic achievements, and an expansion of executive powers. His policies and actions continue to shape the United States to this day.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, has several noteworthy accomplishments that have had a lasting impact on American history. Here are some of his most significant achievements:
1. Emancipation Proclamation: One of Lincoln\'s most famous acts as President was the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This executive order declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it represented a major step towards the abolition of slavery and had a profound impact on the Civil War.
2. Civil War Leadership: Lincoln served as President during the American Civil War, which spanned from 1861 to 1865. He navigated the nation through this tumultuous time, preserving the Union and ultimately leading to the defeat of the Confederate States. His leadership during this time of crisis is widely praised, particularly his ability to manage military affairs and maintain the support of the Northern states.
3. Gettysburg Address: On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech that stands as one of the most important in American history. Given at the dedication of the Soldiers\' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the speech lasted just a few minutes but contained powerful and enduring words. Lincoln sought to honor the soldiers who had died in the Battle of Gettysburg while emphasizing the principles of equality and democracy that the United States stood for.
4. Preservation of the Union: Lincoln\'s top priority was preserving the unity of the United States. He firmly believed in the idea of the Union and worked diligently to hold it together. This commitment can be seen in his actions, such as his reluctance to allow any states to secede from the Union and his determination to win the Civil War.
5. Thirteenth Amendment: Although Lincoln did not live to see its ratification, his support was instrumental in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Ratified in 1865, this amendment permanently abolished slavery throughout the country, fulfilling Lincoln\'s goal of ending the institution that had divided the nation.
These are just a few examples of Abraham Lincoln\'s noteworthy accomplishments. His leadership during a time of crisis, commitment to preserving the Union, and efforts to bring about the end of slavery have solidified his place as one of America\'s most respected and admired presidents.

Based on Google search results and historical information, it took around 14 years to sculpt and complete the Mount Rushmore Memorial. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
1. The project to create the Mount Rushmore Memorial was started in 1927 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team of workers.
2. The first phase involved blasting and carving the granite rock face on Mount Rushmore to create a smooth surface for carving the presidential portraits.
3. Initially, President George Washington\'s face was carved as the first to be completed, followed by Thomas Jefferson and then Abraham Lincoln.
4. However, due to financial constraints and the challenges of working on a vertical rock face, only the heads of these three presidents were completed by 1941.
5. The project was put on hold during World War II, and by the time it resumed, Borglum had passed away.
6. In 1948, Borglum\'s son, Lincoln Borglum, took over the project and completed the final presidential portrait of Theodore Roosevelt.
7. The entire Mount Rushmore Memorial, with the portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, was finally completed in 1941, 14 years after the project began.
So, it took approximately 14 years to sculpt and complete the Mount Rushmore Memorial, from the start of the project in 1927 to its completion in 1941.

Based on the provided Google search results and general knowledge, it does not appear that any other potential presidents were considered for inclusion on Mount Rushmore. The monument currently showcases the colossal portraits of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These presidents were chosen by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore, because they represented the most important events in the history of the United States.

The significance and symbolism behind Mount Rushmore being located in the Black Hills of South Dakota are rooted in both historical and cultural aspects.
1. Historical Significance: The Black Hills region holds great historical significance for Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota Sioux. The area has long been considered sacred and is part of their ancestral lands. In 1868, the United States government signed the Fort Laramie Treaty with several Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, granting them exclusive rights to the Black Hills. However, just a few years later, gold was discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush and the subsequent violation of the treaty by the U.S. government.
2. Symbolism of American Expansion: Mount Rushmore, as a monumental sculpture, represents the pride and ideals of American expansionism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a testament to the belief in manifest destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory from coast to coast. By carving the faces of prominent American presidents into the granite mountainside, it symbolizes the nation\'s growth, progress, and development.
3. Tribute to National Heroes: The selection of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore is significant due to their contributions to American history. George Washington, the first president, represents the birth of the nation and the principles upon which it was founded. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, symbolizes the ideals of democracy and individual liberty. Theodore Roosevelt stands for the nation\'s industrial development, conservation efforts, and strong foreign policy. Abraham Lincoln, the president during the Civil War, represents equality, unity, and the abolition of slavery.
4. Engineering and Artistic Achievement: The placement of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills showcases human achievement in engineering and artistry. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose the location because of the quality of the granite and the favorable geological conditions. The sculpting of the presidents\' faces into the mountainside required skilled craftsmanship and meticulous planning. It remains an awe-inspiring example of man\'s ability to shape and transform nature.
5. Tourist Attraction and National Identity: Mount Rushmore has become a major tourist destination and a symbol of American national identity. It attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to admire both the sculpture and the natural beauty of the Black Hills. The Memorial serves as a visual representation of American history, unity, and the values that the nation holds dear.
Overall, the significance and symbolism of Mount Rushmore being located in the Black Hills of South Dakota encompass historical, cultural, artistic, and national elements. It is a reminder of both triumph and conflict, as well as the ongoing dialogue surrounding the complex history of the United States and its relationship with Native American tribes.