Mount Rushmore's Secret Chamber: Exploring the Hidden Historian's Vault
For decades, the mighty Mount Rushmore has captivated millions with its 60-foot-tall carvings of four American presidents. Behind this iconic monument lies a lesser-known secret chamber known as the Hall of Records. Let's delve into the details of this hidden chamber, its intended purpose, and the modern security measures in place to protect it.
What is the Hall of Records?
The Hall of Records is a small chamber hidden behind Mount Rushmore. Conceived in the 1930s by the monument's designer, Gutzon Borglum, this chamber was intended to house a selection of documents chronicling the history of the United States. The vault was to include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other significant documents that define the nation's heritage.
Location and Architecture
The chamber is located within the solid granite wall of a small canyon, situated behind the presidential lineup. Visitors can observe the entrance from a platform 150 yards away. This entrance is an 18-foot-tall doorway that resembles the entrance to an ancient tomb, much like an Egyptian pharaoh's burial chamber. Once someone crosses the threshold, they would discover an empty room approximately 75 feet in length with a 35-foot-tall ceiling. Holes in the walls, likely made for blasting purposes, give the room a honeycomb-like appearance.
Intended Purpose and Significance
Gutzon Borglum had a larger vision for the Hall of Records. He intended the chamber to serve as an artist's statement, explaining the meaning behind his monumental sculpture—not for the present generation but for future civilizations and even interplanetary visitors thousands of years in the future. The text 'from Gutzon Borgen, Mount Rushmore, South Dakota' was chiseled into the granite, serving as a time capsule for future generations.
Security and Access
Although the Hall of Records is a fascinating concept, it is not open to the public for tours. Nonetheless, visitors can still learn about the monument's history and significance through various displays and ranger-led programs. Access to the chamber is restricted to authorized personnel, including park rangers and historians involved in its preservation and study.
However, the site's security is a matter of concern. The area around the Chamber is heavily guarded, particularly due to the presence of a group of Sioux known for their strong opposition to visitors. These individuals possess modern bows and arrows and are known to be hostile to any attempt to enter the monument. As a result, visitors are advised to view the monuments from a safe distance, typically from a designated viewing platform 150 yards away or to rely on the information provided at the base of the mountain.
Current Status of the Hall of Records
Over time, the unfinished nature of the Chamber reflects the changing intentions of its creator. While Borglum's vision was grand, the logistical challenges of preserving the documents for millennia may have influenced the current status of the Hall of Records. As of now, the chamber is empty, serving as a reminder of its intended purpose rather than as a storage facility for historical documents.
In conclusion, the Hall of Records, a hidden chamber behind Mount Rushmore, remains a fascination for historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike. Its unfinished state serves as a testament to the ambitions and dreams of its creator, encapsulating the history and legacy of the United States in a symbolic and enduring form.