The Mount Rushmore Paradox-

Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of the Mount Rushmore Memorial, chose former President’s Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, and Roosevelt because they best represent the first 150 years of American History. Borglum specifically chose these presidents because of their role in preserving the new republic and expanding its territory.

The paradox of the memorial is that, while recognizing these presidents for their role in expanding American territories, it also enshrines the legacy of lands stolen from the American Indian.

Mount Rushmore is controversial among Native Americans because the United States government seized the area from the Lakota tribe. Originally, the Lakota Sioux called this mountain Six Grandfathers. Later, the name was changed to Mount Rushmore after Charles E. Rushmore, a prominent New York lawyer during an expedition in 1885.

The legacy and culture of the American Indian is wrapped up in the history of a growing country founded on the principles of liberty and equality. However, these principles somehow didn’t apply to the indigenous people of America.

Sadly, one of our nation’s greatest national memorials is located on land that was taken from Native Americans. It seems ironic that two of the presidents carved into the face of the mountain did little to ensure the rights and liberties of the American Indian or preserve their culture.

While expanding American territory, President Washington attempted to compensate Native Americans for their land and tried to preserve their culture but ultimately failed. President Jefferson authorized the Louisiana Purchase, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition chose to ignore the issue.

President Lincoln is enshrined because he emancipated the slaves. President Roosevelt was deeply committed to conservation, establishing numerous national parks to preserve lands and wildlife from the advancing industrialization. A similar advancement by early Americans across the continent resulted in the taking of Native Americans lands.