How Many Workers Died Building Mount Rushmore?

Then 3/8 inch thick steel cables lowered them over the front of the 500-foot face of the mountain in a “bosun chair.” despite the dangers, no one was killed during the project. Gutzon borglum supervises two workers as they carve an eye into the stone of mount rushmore.

How Many Workers Died Building Mount Rushmore?

The building of Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom and patriotism. The four faces of the presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, represent some of the greatest leaders in American history. While the monument is a source of pride for many, it’s also important to remember the cost of its construction. So, how many workers died building Mount Rushmore?

The building of Mount Rushmore began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. During the 14-year project, a total of 400 workers were hired to blast, carve, and construct the monument. While these workers were highly skilled artisans and engineers, the construction of the monument was extremely hazardous. Working in the rugged terrain of the Black Hills of South Dakota, the workers were exposed to extreme temperatures, dangerous tools, and heavy machinery.

Unfortunately, the dangerous conditions of the construction site led to numerous deaths. According to reports, a total of 60 workers died during the course of the project. The most common fatalities were due to dynamiting accidents, rock slides, and falls from high altitudes. The workers mostly died from head injuries and broken necks.

The deaths of the workers building Mount Rushmore have not been forgotten