The Majestic Faces of Mount Rushmore

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [please/yur wel-kum]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dun me]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Jes fine. You?
  [jess fine. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-lish?]
• I don't understandI ain't savvy
  [ai ent sav-vee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseShow me the grub, 'kay?
  [show mee thee gruhb, kay?]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat critters
  [ai dont eet crit-turs]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bot-ums up!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up
  [ai rek-uhn aiyul set-ul up]

• Help!I need a hand!
  [ai need a hand!]
• Go away!Git!
  [git!]
• Call the Police!Get the law!
  [get thee law!]
• Call a doctor!Get a sawbones!
  [get a saw-bones!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [aim turrnd a-round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [aim fee-lin poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [ai'm fix-in to pur-chays...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-sin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats thee dam-ij?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a mite pricey
  [thats a mite prahy-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya knock a bit off?
  [can yuh nok a bit off?]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [whats thee our?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-ty]
• MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ee-ven-in']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowMornin'
  [morn-in']
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres thee...]
• What's the address?What's the location?
  [whats thee loh-kay-shun?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [can yuh point it out?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next one comin'?
  [whens thee next wun cum-in?]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ...)
  [a pass (to ...)]

Mount Rushmore was conceived in 1923 by South Dakota State Historian Doane Robinson. The idea was to promote tourism in the region by creating a grand monument. Initially, Robinson envisioned carving the Needles, a series of natural granite pillars, but the idea shifted to Mount Rushmore due to its larger, more stable granite face.

In 1924, Doane Robinson contacted sculptor Gutzon Borglum to design and oversee the project. Borglum, an American artist known for his work on the Stone Mountain project in Georgia, accepted the commission. He envisioned a grander scale, selecting four U.S. Presidents to represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation.

Construction on Mount Rushmore began on October 4, 1927. The project employed over 400 workers and involved dangerous tasks such as dynamite blasting and precise carving. Despite the challenges, no fatalities occurred during the construction. The project was primarily funded through federal grants and private donations.

The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt were completed between 1934 and 1939. Although Borglum's original plan included more elaborate details, work was halted in 1941 due to the onset of World War II and Borglum’s death. The monument was declared complete and dedicated on October 31, 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Mount Rushmore holds significant cultural value, symbolizing American ideals of democracy and freedom. However, it is also a site of controversy, particularly among Native American communities. The Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore is located, are sacred to the Lakota Sioux, and the land was taken from them in violation of treaties. This has led to ongoing disputes and calls for the land to be returned.

Today, Mount Rushmore is a major tourist attraction, drawing over two million visitors annually. The site features a museum, visitor center, and the Presidential Trail, providing educational opportunities about the monument's history and the presidents depicted. The annual Independence Day celebrations with fireworks and performances also attract significant attention.

Mount Rushmore is located near Keystone, South Dakota. The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), approximately 35 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Mount Rushmore. Alternatively, you can drive to Mount Rushmore from major cities like Denver, Colorado or Minneapolis, Minnesota. The monument is accessible via US Highway 16A, also known as Iron Mountain Road, which offers scenic views along the way.

Once at Mount Rushmore, the most convenient way to get around is by car. Parking is available at the monument for a fee. Alternatively, there are shuttle services and guided tours that can take you to and from Mount Rushmore and nearby attractions. Bicycling is also an option for those looking to explore the area at a slower pace. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car is highly recommended for maximum flexibility.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, including at the gift shop and dining facilities. ATMs are available on-site for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

Mount Rushmore and its surrounding areas are generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Keep personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists near Mount Rushmore, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial has first aid services available. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, located about 25 miles away in Rapid City, South Dakota. It is also recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven. Don't wear flip-flops or high heels. Religion: Do be respectful of the cultural significance of Mount Rushmore. Public Transport: Do plan your transportation in advance, as public transport options are limited. Greetings: Do greet park rangers and staff courteously. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine at nearby restaurants. Don't litter; use designated trash bins to keep the area clean.

To experience Mount Rushmore like a local, visit during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid crowds and enjoy the monument in a more serene setting. The Evening Lighting Ceremony, held nightly during the summer, is a must-see event that adds a unique perspective to the monument. Additionally, explore the nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial for a more comprehensive understanding of the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.