Mount Rushmore’s Little-Known Secret: The Hall of Records and More

When one thinks of Mount Rushmore, the iconic faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the black granite dominates the image in the mind. However, there is more to the monument than meets the eye, and some of its lesser-known secrets are truly fascinating. This article will delve into the existence of a secret chamber known as the Hall of Records, along with other intriguing details about Mount Rushmore.

The Hall of Records

One of the most intriguing little-known facts about Mount Rushmore is the existence of a secret chamber behind the heads of the four presidents. Known as the Hall of Records, this secret room was originally intended to house important founding documents and records of the United States. Designed to be a massive vault, the Hall of Records was intended to be a repository for the country’s historical and cultural treasures.

However, the Hall of Records was never fully completed. According to the official description by Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the room was never intended for use by the general public, and it has never been opened or made accessible to visitors. The intended purpose of the chamber was to provide safekeeping for documents and artifacts against future catastrophes, ensuring the preservation of America's history.

Structure and Purpose of the Hall of Records

The Hall of Records was planned to be an impressive space, with a ceiling supported by 15-inch diameter pillars and a door that would be too heavy for any normal person to open. The entrance to the chamber is reportedly behind the head of Abraham Lincoln, one of the four presidents depicted at Mount Rushmore. Specifically, it is located behind his left cheek, which is undetailed due to his sitting position.

Interestingly, the chamber was not designed for practical storage purposes. Due to its poor environmental control (lack of temperature and humidity regulation), it was never deemed suitable for the actual storage of documents. Popular belief, however, often distorts the truth, and many conspiracy theories have circulated about its contents and purpose.

Other Little-Known Facts about Mount Rushmore

While the Hall of Records is one of Mount Rushmore's most intriguing secrets, there are several other lesser-known facts about the monument. Here are a few:

1. The Workers' Camp

Apart from the Hall of Records, Mount Rushmore also has a little-known workers' camp that served as a base for the sculptors during the construction. This camp, now an archaeological site, provided basic amenities and shelter for the workers who labored on the project. It includes remnants of buildings, tools, and personal items left behind by the sculptors and workers.

2. The Inaugural Ceremony

Historically, the inauguration of the monument was not a simple ceremony. In 1939, South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck led the dedication ceremony, which also involved a backdrop of machine guns aimed at potential intruders. This security measure was taken seriously as the monument was under construction, and there was a genuine concern about vandalism or sabotage.

3. The Sculptor's Vision

While Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore, envisioned a hall of records, his vision was much more grandiose than the actual structure. He hoped to create a massive room that could accommodate thousands of documents, artworks, and artifacts. However, limited resources and financial constraints led to a far smaller, albeit still impressive, structure.

Conclusion

The secrets of Mount Rushmore continue to captivate visitors and spark the imagination. From the mysterious Hall of Records to the historical significance of the workers' camp, Mount Rushmore offers much more than meets the eye. While the Hall of Records may never be fully explored, the stories and legends around it keep the monument a place of intrigue and wonder.

Keywords: Hall of Records, secret chamber, Mount Rushmore