Thomas JEFFERSON
1936 - August 30 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt attends the dedication of Thomas Jefferson's head at Mount Rushmore.
On August 30, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the dedication ceremony of Thomas Jefferson's head at Mount Rushmore, a momentous event in American history. Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, had been under construction since 1927 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The monument aimed to honor key figures in American history, with Jefferson representing the ideals of independence and democracy.
FDR's presence at the dedication underscored the significance of the project, which aimed not only to commemorate Jefferson but also to promote tourism and celebrate national identity during a challenging era marked by the Great Depression. Roosevelt's administration was known for its focus on public works and national projects aimed at boosting morale and creating jobs, making his attendance a symbol of national unity and pride. The dedication of Jefferson's head marked a milestone in the ongoing construction of Mount Rushmore, which would eventually feature the likenesses of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt alongside Jefferson, becoming a lasting symbol of American greatness and perseverance.
August 30, 1936
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, Chapman Pub Co, 1894
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