August 2, 2021
The main reason we went to South Dakota was to see Rushmore. This was our chance to see this long-standing “Bucket List” item. We were soooo grateful to be able to do this because no matter how many pictures you see of this phenomenal work of art and vision, it doesn’t hold a candle to seeing it in person! We first saw it from a distance . . .
It was a bit windy (can you tell from my wild hair?) and Larry was struggling with the selfie stick. LOL.
We were really grateful that they had covered parking since we would have to leave the boys in the car. It wasn’t hot yet so we could open the windows and they would be comfortable.
Then we went in and OMGosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It literally brought us to tears! Even these pictures cannot convey the true magnificence of this masterpiece! Once I composed myself, a fellow visitor was gracious enough to take this pic, which will forever be one of my all-time favorites.
There was a path to follow through the park where you could see the sculpture from different angles.
But I was really glad to be able to get decent close-ups with my phone camera.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
THOMAS JEFFERSON
THEODORE “TEDDY” ROOSEVELT (notice even the eyeglass detail).
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Simply amazing, no?
There was a presentation we attended after walking through the park that educated us on the history of the entire project and there was a scale model of what the finished sculpture was intended to look like. Notice that it ended up a bit different. The part below the faces (the clothing) was never done because the artist, Gutzon Burglum, died before the project could be completed. For information about the artist and the history you can go here.
If you haven’t been to Rushmore and you ever get an opportunity to, PLEASE GO! You will not be disappointed. It is truly awe inspiring!!!!!
To be continued . . .
Karla's Blog 
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