Mount Rushmore's Secret Hall of Records: Hidden Chamber & Fascinating Facts
Mount Rushmore, one of America's most iconic landmarks, holds a lesser-known secret beyond its famous 60-foot granite presidential faces. While millions visit the monument annually to view the colossal sculptures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, few are aware of the hidden chamber tucked behind Lincoln's head. This concealed vault, known as the Hall of Records, represents sculptor Gutzon Borglum's ambitious vision that extended far beyond the presidential carvings themselves.
Borglum, known for his flamboyant personality and grand ambitions, envisioned the Hall of Records as a historical time capsule for future civilizations. Although construction began in 1938, the project was repeatedly delayed due to funding issues, World War II, and Borglum's death in 1941. After decades of advocacy by Borglum's descendants, a scaled-down version was finally completed in 1998, housing porcelain panels containing the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and other significant American documents within a titanium vault sealed by a 1,200-pound granite slab—inaccessible to the public but preserving American history for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
Mount Rushmore contains a hidden vault called the Hall of Records that was designed to preserve American history for future civilizations.
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum's original vision extended far beyond the presidential faces to include an elaborate chamber with historical documents and artifacts.
The scaled-down Hall of Records was finally completed in 1998, fulfilling Borglum's dream of creating a historical time capsule within the monument.
Mount Rushmore's National Significance
Mount Rushmore stands as one of America's most iconic landmarks, drawing visitors from across the nation to South Dakota's Black Hills. The massive sculpture features 60-foot granite faces of four U.S. presidents, carved between 1927 and 1941 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum.
The memorial's creation stemmed from South Dakota's desire to increase tourism in the 1920s. While the state already attracted visitors with Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, and the scenic Needles Highway, historian Doane Robinson believed something more spectacular was needed. After learning about a similar project at Georgia's Stone Mountain, Robinson envisioned creating South Dakota's own monument celebrating the Old West.
Borglum, known for his flamboyant personality and sculptures honoring American history, took on the project following his controversial departure from the Stone Mountain project. His vision for Mount Rushmore extended beyond just the presidential faces - he intended to carve the presidents down to their waists and include a detailed inscription.
The Hidden Hall of Records
Behind Lincoln's hairline lies a little-known chamber called the Hall of Records. Borglum worried future generations might find Mount Rushmore as mysterious as Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids, so he designed this vault to preserve the memorial's history. Despite Congress's directive to focus on completing the presidents first, Borglum secretly continued work on the Hall until his death in March 1941.
The original plans included:
An 80-foot tall, 100-foot long grand hall
An 800-foot granite staircase
Busts of famous Americans
Bronze and glass cabinets holding historical documents
A massive bronze eagle with a 38-foot wingspan
For over 50 years, the Hall remained an unfinished cavern. In 1998, officials finally created a scaled-back version following decades of petitioning by Borglum's descendants.
Today, the Hall of Records contains porcelain enamel panels detailing:
The story and history of Mount Rushmore
Explanations for why each president was chosen
Texts of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Gettysburg Address
A biography of Borglum himself
These records are preserved in a titanium vault behind a 1,200-pound granite slab. While closed to the public and even high-ranking government officials, the Hall fulfills Borglum's vision of creating a historical record for future civilizations.
The Secret Vision Behind Mount Rushmore
The Grand Plan Begins
Mount Rushmore became a popular tourist destination in the 1920s as part of South Dakota's tourism development strategy. Historian Dawn Robinson of the South Dakota State Historical Society believed the state needed a unique landmark to attract more visitors. After learning about a similar project at Stone Mountain in Georgia, Robinson launched a campaign to create South Dakota's own monumental sculpture. His original concept featured figures from the American West, including explorers Lewis and Clark and Native American leader Red Cloud.
The project took a significant turn when Robinson approached sculptor Gutzon Borglum to transform the granite mountain into a national monument. Borglum's involvement would forever change the scope and meaning of the project.
The Sculptor's Controversial Background
Borglum had established his reputation creating sculptures celebrating American history, but his personality often created friction in professional relationships. His work on the Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia ended dramatically when the Memorial Association fired him in February 1925. The dismissal cited financial mismanagement along with Borglum's "offensive egotism" and "delusions of grandeur."
The situation escalated when Borglum destroyed the Stone Mountain models and fled Georgia, making national headlines. Despite this controversial past, Borglum was attracted to the Mount Rushmore project as a chance to create a lasting legacy.
The Presidential Monument Takes Shape
The initial concept for Mount Rushmore shifted dramatically under Borglum's direction. He abandoned the Western figures concept in favor of presidential portraits, believing these would better represent American ideals. The project, which stretched from 1927 to 1941, faced constant challenges with funding and governmental oversight.
Borglum's original vision was more ambitious than what we see today. He intended to carve the presidents down to their waists and add an inscription explaining the memorial's significance. Technical limitations ultimately prevented this expanded sculpture, as the mountain stone quality varied significantly. This led to several adjustments, including relocating Jefferson's head when the original location proved unsuitable due to weak stone quality.
The Hall of Records Mystery
When space constraints made his original inscriptions impossible, Borglum developed an alternative plan that few visitors know about today. He designed a massive "Hall of Records" to be carved behind Abraham Lincoln's hairline. This chamber would measure 80 feet tall and 100 feet long, accessible via an 800-foot granite staircase.
The hall would house busts of famous Americans alongside bronze and glass cabinets containing historical documents like the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. A bronze eagle with a 38-foot wingspan would adorn the entrance, with an inscription reading "The Hall of Records."
Work on this secret chamber began in July 1938 but was halted a year later when Congress insisted that the presidential faces take priority. Despite this directive, Borglum continued working on the hall anyway. Progress slowed significantly with the onset of World War II, and when Borglum died in March 1941, only a 70-foot cavern had been blasted into the mountain.
After decades of advocacy by Borglum's descendants, a modified version of the Hall of Records was finally installed in 1998. The chamber now contains porcelain enamel panels telling Mount Rushmore's history, explaining the selection of the four presidents, and preserving copies of foundational American documents. This titanium vault, sealed behind a 1,200-pound granite slab, remains closed to the public and even high-ranking government officials.
Sculpting the Presidents
The monumental task of carving four presidential figures into Mount Rushmore presented numerous artistic and logistical challenges. The massive undertaking, which took place between 1927 and 1941, transformed a granite mountain in South Dakota into one of America's most recognizable landmarks. Under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, this ambitious project evolved beyond just creating the 60-foot granite faces that millions visit today.
Artistic Challenges and Design Decisions
The creation of Mount Rushmore involved significant artistic compromises and technical difficulties. One notable challenge occurred with Thomas Jefferson's sculpture, which was originally planned for Washington's right side. The stone quality in this location proved too weak for carving, forcing Borglum to relocate Jefferson's likeness to its current position. These types of material constraints continually shaped the development of the monument.
Borglum's vision extended far beyond the presidential faces visible today. He initially intended to carve the presidents down to their waists and include an inscription describing the memorial. When space limitations made this impossible, Borglum developed an alternative plan - a grand Hall of Records accessible by an 800-foot granite staircase.
This hidden chamber would measure 80 feet tall by 100 feet long and feature:
Busts of famous Americans
Bronze and glass cabinets containing historical documents
A massive bronze eagle with a 38-foot wingspan above the entrance
Borglum's motivation stemmed from concern that future generations might find Mount Rushmore as mysterious as Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids without proper documentation of its purpose and creation.
Continuation After Borglum's Death
Construction on the Hall of Records began in July 1938, positioned just behind Abraham Lincoln's hairline. Despite Congress directing that work should focus on completing the presidents' faces first, Borglum continued his side project. Progress slowed significantly with the onset of World War II in 1941.
Borglum's health deteriorated as the project continued, and he died on March 6, 1941, leaving much of his vision incomplete. His son, aptly named Lincoln Borglum, took over direction of the monument's construction following his father's death. The younger Borglum faced the difficult task of trying to fulfill his father's ambitious vision while dealing with mounting practical constraints.
The project encountered increasing financial difficulties under Lincoln's supervision. With funding rapidly dwindling and the pressures of wartime resource allocation, tough decisions had to be made about what could reasonably be completed.
Completion and Incompleteness
Mount Rushmore was officially declared complete on October 31, 1941, though much of Borglum's original vision remained unfulfilled. The presidential sculptures were technically incomplete, the planned inscription was never started, and excavated rock remained in piles at the base of the monument.
For over 50 years, the Hall of Records remained simply a 70-foot cavern blasted into the mountain. Borglum's descendants persistently petitioned the government to fulfill this aspect of his vision. Finally, in 1998, officials agreed to implement a modified version of the original concept.
The modern Hall of Records now contains:
Porcelain enamel panels telling Mount Rushmore's history
Explanations of why Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were selected
Panels with the text of foundational American documents:
U.S. Constitution
Bill of Rights
Declaration of Independence
Gettysburg Address
A biography of Gutzon Borglum
These historical records are preserved in a titanium vault behind a 1,200-pound granite slab. While not open to public viewing and protected by strict security measures, the chamber fulfills Borglum's intent to preserve information about the monument for future civilizations - a posthumous realization of the sculptor's desire for his work to be properly understood by posterity.
The Secret Chamber Within Mount Rushmore
The Concealed Archive
Mount Rushmore, with its iconic 60-foot granite presidential faces, harbors a lesser-known secret. While millions visit the monument annually, few realize that architect Gutzon Borglum planned more than just the presidential sculptures. Behind Lincoln's hairline lies a hidden repository intended to preserve American history for future civilizations.
Initial Plans and Incomplete Construction
Work on this secret chamber began in July 1938. Borglum envisioned an elaborate vault measuring 80 feet tall and 100 feet long, accessible via an 800-foot granite staircase. The grand entrance would have featured a massive bronze eagle with a 38-foot wingspan mounted above the doorway.
Despite Congress directing that construction should focus on completing the presidential carvings first, Borglum continued his side project. Workers managed to blast a 70-foot cavern into the mountain before progress stalled. Borglum's death in March 1941, followed by World War II constraints and eventual funding depletion, left the project unfinished when Mount Rushmore was declared complete on October 31, 1941.
Historical Materials Preserved
The chamber now houses porcelain enamel panels containing critical American documents and information:
Key Historical Texts:
The U.S. Constitution
The Bill of Rights
The Declaration of Independence
The Gettysburg Address
Additional Information:
The history of Mount Rushmore
Explanations for why Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were chosen
A biography of Gutzon Borglum himself
These materials are secured within a titanium vault protected by a 1,200-pound granite slab. Borglum believed this preservation effort would prevent Mount Rushmore from becoming an enigma like Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids.
Access Limitations and Security
The secret chamber remains strictly off-limits to the public. Following a 2009 incident when Greenpeace activists accessed the monument to hang a protest banner, security measures were significantly enhanced.
Even high-ranking government officials are prohibited from entering this hidden repository. These restrictions align with Borglum's original vision—creating a time capsule of American history that might only be discovered by future civilizations, rather than serving as a contemporary tourist attraction.
Cultural Impact and Borglum's Legacy
Gutson Borglum's work on Mount Rushmore transformed a South Dakota mountain into one of America's most iconic landmarks. The massive sculpture featuring 60-foot granite faces of four U.S. presidents has become a testament to American values and a major tourist destination since its construction between 1927 and 1941.
Borglum brought considerable experience and notoriety to the Mount Rushmore project. His previous work included sculptures honoring American history, though his reputation was somewhat complicated by his departure from the Stone Mountain Memorial Association in Georgia amid accusations of financial mismanagement and what critics called his "offensive egotism" and "delusions of grandeur."
The sculptor's vision for Mount Rushmore extended far beyond the presidential faces visible today. He initially planned to carve the presidents down to their waists and include an inscription nearby. When space constraints made this impossible, Borglum developed an ambitious alternative: the Hall of Records.
This lesser-known aspect of Mount Rushmore represented Borglum's concern for historical preservation. He envisioned an 80-foot tall, 100-foot long chamber accessed by an 800-foot granite staircase. The hall would house:
Busts of famous Americans
Bronze and glass cabinets containing historical documents
A massive bronze eagle with a 38-foot wingspan above the entrance
Construction on this hidden chamber began in July 1938, positioned behind Abraham Lincoln's hairline. Despite Congress directing Borglum to focus on completing the presidents first, the determined sculptor continued work on his side project. Progress slowed with the onset of World War II, and Borglum's death in March 1941 left the work unfinished.
For decades, the Hall of Records remained incomplete—just a 70-foot cavern blasted into the mountain. Borglum's descendants persistently advocated for the project's completion, and in 1998, officials implemented a modified version of his vision.
Today, the Hall contains porcelain enamel panels detailing:
Mount Rushmore's history
Why each president was selected
Texts of founding documents including the Constitution
Borglum's biography
These materials are preserved in a titanium vault behind a 1,200-pound granite slab. While not open to the public and protected by strict security measures, the Hall fulfills Borglum's intention to preserve Mount Rushmore's story for future generations.
