Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Is there a secret room inside Mount Rushmore?

18 snips
Oct 3, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of Mount Rushmore, where giants of history meet modern conspiracy! Explore the origins of the statue and its controversial renaming from the sacred Six Grandfathers. Learn about the tumultuous history of treaties and land rights affecting the Sioux. Discover the lore of a hidden chamber and the ambitious vision behind Gutzon Borglum's Hall of Records. Reflect on the monument's complex legacy and captivating anecdotes of Borglum's publicity stunts. It's a journey through art, history, and myth!
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INSIGHT

Sacred Origins And Broken Treaties

  • The Black Hills (Paha Sapa) were sacred to Plains tribes as the Six Grandfathers long before Europeans arrived.
  • The 1868 Treaty promised exclusive rights to the Sioux, a promise later broken after gold was discovered.
ANECDOTE

How Rushmore Got Its Name

  • James Wilson founded the Harney Peak Tin Mining Company and bought alleged rights in the Black Hills.
  • He partnered with New Yorker Charles Rushmore, who visited multiple times and lent his name to the mountain.
INSIGHT

Borglum’s Complicated Legacy

  • Gutzon Borglum combined grand artistic vision with problematic politics, including Klan ties.
  • His dual legacy fuels both awe for the monuments and deep controversy.
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