Mount Rushmore
… the people of the future will see history and art combined to portray the spirit of patriotism. They will know that the figure of these Presidents has been placed here because by following the truth they built for eternity. The fundamental principles which they represented have been wrought into the very being of our Country. They are steadfast as these ancient hills.
Gutzon Borglum understood that having a presidential endorsement would encourage local support for the construction of Mount Rushmore. He arrived in the Black Hills shortly after the President and was relentless in his effort to persuade Coolidge to agree to speak at the dedication of the monument on August 10, 1927. He even hired an airplane to fly over Custer State Park and drop a wreath with a note inviting the President to the dedication.
Coolidge did not like Borglum, whom he saw as aggressive and opinionated. Nevertheless, he agreed to speak at the dedication. Coolidge’s words invoked a spirit of patriotism and stirred up a willingness of the people to help make Mount Rushmore a reality. Local funding that had been uncertain or nonexistent began to come in as a result of the president’s support. Although, the carving of the mountain did not begin until after Coolidge left the Black Hills, and the monument would not open to the public until 1941, Coolidge signed legislation that provided the finances that were able to keep the project moving forward.