New Books Network Matthew Davis, "A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore" (St. Martin's Press, 2025)
Jan 4, 2026
Matthew Davis, a writer and journalist whose work has graced The Atlantic and The New Yorker, dives deep into the complex history of Mount Rushmore. He discusses how the monument serves as an American Rorschach test, revealing competing myths of the nation. Davis shares insights on the tumultuous life of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the impact of the Black Hills' Native history, and the controversies surrounding the site. With a focus on how monuments evolve, he encourages a nuanced reflection on national identity.
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Monument As Mirror Of Its Time
- Mount Rushmore condenses many American myths—westward expansion, empire, and democracy—into one carved site.
- Matthew Davis argues the monument reveals more about the era it was made than the presidents it depicts.
Author's Personal Black Hills Visits
- Matthew Davis describes frequent personal trips to the Black Hills and how visits centered his research on Rushmore.
- He built local relationships and felt a modest belonging without claiming to be from the Hills.
Deep Indigenous History Of The Hills
- The Black Hills hosted human communities for roughly 15,000 years and are central to Lakota cosmology and identity.
- Davis emphasizes the area's deep spiritual, practical, and ancestral importance to Native peoples long before U.S. claims.
