Mount Rushmore, the Mountain that Became a Monument (a special episode for Denmark Hettinga)

Join us for an adventure to the Black Hills of South Dakota as we discover the incredible story behind one of America’s most recognizable landmarks—Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

In this episode, created especially for Denmark Hettinga, we learn how a mountain became a giant monument honoring four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. You’ll hear about the historian who dreamed up the idea, the sculptor who brought it to life, and the brave workers who spent fourteen years carving the faces into solid granite.

Along the way, we’ll explore:

• Why those four presidents were chosen
• How dynamite was used to carve the faces
• The dangers workers faced high above the ground
• The fascinating story of sculptor Gutzon Borglum
• The history of the Black Hills and their importance to the Lakota people

We’ll also talk about perseverance, courage, hard work, and how the choices we make today can leave a lasting impact on the future.

Plus, don’t miss an exciting announcement about the brand-new Real Cool History for Kids audio message pages, where listeners can now submit episode requests, reviews, and family messages using their own voices!