National Park After Dark 328: The Dark History of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Oct 13, 2025
Mount Rushmore isn't just a national icon; it's a symbol of controversy. The discussion uncovers the dark history of land seizure and the impact on Indigenous communities. Gutzon Borglum's troubling connections to white supremacy are examined, alongside the ongoing fight for recognition at the Crazy Horse Memorial. Listeners learn about the disparity in narratives presented at these two monuments and the emotional experiences tied to visiting them. The hosts call for a critical reevaluation of U.S. history, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives and justice.
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Renaming Erased Sacred Meaning
- The mountain already had a Lakota name, Tuankashila Shakepe, meaning Six Grandfathers.
- Renaming it Mount Rushmore erased sacred indigenous meaning.
Monument Built For Image, Not Respect
- Gutzon Borglum reshaped the project's purpose from honoring Western figures to telling a grand “story of America.”
- He chose Mount Rushmore for its face and southern exposure, not for cultural respect.
Massive Effort With No Recorded Worker Deaths
- Workers blasted and carved over 450,000 tons of granite using dynamite and hand tools over 14 years.
- Remarkably, no worker died during the project despite dangerous conditions.