Next Stop...

South Dakota and Mount Rushmore!! WOW!!! Thats all I can say. What a spectacular sight! It was so neat to have my children experience that. They have learned so much about the history of America in the school they attended that it was so nice to have them see this memorial that symbolizes America. Here are a few FAQ for anyone interested in some of the history...

1) Who created the sculpture? Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers.

2) How much did the sculpture cost? $989,992.32.

3) How long did it take to build? 14 years October 4, 1927 - October 31,1941

4) Are the faces eroding? No, The estimated erosion rate is 1 inch every 10,000 years.

5) Who is the mountain named after? Charles E. Rushmore, a New York City Attorney, in 1885 who was out here on business.

6) Were there any deaths during the carving? Miraculously No. Over 90% of the sculpture was carved with dymanite. The blasts removed approximately 450,000 tons of rock from the mountain.

7)How big are they? The average size of a 6 story building.

Heads: approximately 60 feet

Noses: Washington's is 21 feet the rest are approximately 20 feet

Eyes: approximately 11 feet wide

Mouths: approximately 18 feet wide

Sorry about that, just couldn't help myself. I thought it was so interesting know some things about it.

They also had every one of the states flags lining the pathway. They had on each pillar when they became a state and which number they were in the 50. So we had to find the 2 states we have lived in! It was quite amazing to walk up to Mount Rushmore and have each flag lining the way.

I have to say that it really did take my breath away. Thinking of the history of America and to be at a spot with so many symolisms, made me proud to be an American!!