Before Mount Rushmore: The Sacred Landscape and Its Transformation

Mount Rushmore is an iconic monument, carved into the mountainside to immortalize four U.S. presidents. However, before the mountain was transformed into its current form, it held deep spiritual and historical significance for the Lakota people. This article explores the original landscape, its sacred importance, and the process of transformation that led to the creation of this national landmark.

The Original Name and Significance

Rushing through the natural and historical context of this vast mountain range, it is essential to begin with the indigenous perspective. Originally, the mountain was known as 'Six Grandfathers' or 'Six Face', as designated by the Lakota Medicine Man, Black Elk. Black Elk’s vision described the mountain as representing the six sacred directions: West, East, South, North, Above, and Below. He believed that these directions symbolized kindness, love, years of experience, and wisdom, much like human grandfathers. This vision was a profound spiritual experience for Black Elk and it imbued the mountain with a deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Interestingly, the term 'Rushmore' itself was not a part of its original name. Rather, it was named after Charles E. Rushmore, an attorney who conducted mineral surveys in the area. According to historical records, Rushmore visited the area in 1885 and, upon climbing the mountain, asked the surveyor, “What’s this mountain called?”, prompting the response, “I don’t know, but it’s a mighty fine mountain, probably worthy of a proper name.”

The Mountain's Religious Significance

As part of the Black Hills region, which includes Wind Cave, Devil’s Tower, and Black Elk Peak, the Six Grandfathers mountain was considered a sacred place. These sacred landscapes are integral to the identity and spiritual practices of the Lakota people. Wind Cave, for instance, is associated with many spiritual and religious ceremonies, and Devil’s Tower is a symbol of celestial importance and a site for vision quests. Black Elk Peak, the highest peak in South Dakota, is also held in high esteem.

The Decision to Carve Mount Rushmore

Yet, at the turn of the 20th century, the mountain's significance was to be overshadowed by the United States government's decision to transform it into a national monument. Gutzon Borglum, an accomplished sculptor, proposed the idea of crafting large-scale portraits of four U.S. presidents into the mountain’s granite face. Despite the mountain's historical and spiritual value, the land was appropriated without the consent of the Sioux people.

The decision to carve Mount Rushmore was largely driven by the ideological forces of the time, emphasizing American patriotism and a glorified historical narrative that disrespected the indigenous heritage of the area. The project was approved by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927, and construction officially began in 1927 and concluded in 1941.

The Historical and Cultural Impact

The creation of Mount Rushmore undoubtedly had a profound impact on both the landscape and the cultural heritage of the area. It irreversibly altered the mountain's physical appearance and shifted its cultural significance from a place of Lakota spiritual importance to a symbol of American history and patriotism.

The memorial has since become a major tourist attraction, with millions of visitors annually. However, the transformation has not been without controversy. The project has been criticized for its erasure of indigenous history and its appropriation of sacred land. Advocates for Native American rights argue that it is a reminder of the ongoing displacement and marginalization of indigenous people in the United States.

Conclusion

Before Mount Rushmore, the landscape was a revered place of cultural and spiritual significance to the Lakota people. The decision to carve the mountain into a monument has had a lasting impact on the area, both physically and culturally. While Mount Rushmore is a testament to America’s history and the ideals of its founders, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the indigenous heritage and historical context of the land.

Related Keywords

Keywords: Mount Rushmore, Lakota Medicine Man, Black Hills, Native American History