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Robinson/Borglum correspondence on display at Cultural Heritage Center

Two pieces of correspondence, one sent in August 1924 by State Historian Doane Robinson to sculptor Gutzon Borglum concerning a “heroic sculpture of unusual character” in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Borglum’s reply to that request are currently on display in the research room of the South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

The State Archives is open Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. CDT. There is no charge to see the exhibited letters.

The correspondence highlights the first contact between Robinson, who had the idea to carve significant sculptures in the Black Hills, and Borglum, the future carver of Mount Rushmore. This initial communication was the genesis for a carved national monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

In January 1924, at a meeting of the Black and Yellow Trail Association, Robinson gave an address titled, “The Pull of the Historic Place,” emphasizing the importance of bringing tourist traffic through the state. Robinson’s initial idea was for carved monuments in the Black Hills, specifically using the granite “needles” in Custer State Park.

In Robinson’s mind, the sculptures were to specifically highlight South Dakota’s history. His early proposal included historic figures such as Lewis and Clark, Sacajawea and Red Cloud. But Robinson needed a sculptor.

Robinson sent a letter to Borglum on Aug. 20, 1924, that read:
“Dear Mr. Borglum: In the vicinity of Harney Peak, in the Black Hills of South Dakota are opportunities for heroic sculpture of unusual character. Would it be possible for you to design and supervise a massive sculpture there. The proposal has not passed beyond the mere suggestion, but if it be possible for you to undertake the matter I feel quite sure we could arrange to finance such an enterprise. I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience. Faithfully, Doane Robinson”

Borglum’s telegram reply came on Aug. 28, 1924:
“Doane Robinson, Department of History, Pierre. Your letter forwarded to me from Stone Mountain [Georgia]. Very much interested in your proposal. Great scheme you have; hold to it; the north will welcome it. Am two years ahead in my southern work can get to Black Hills during September. Gutzon Borglum”

Borglum came to South Dakota in September 1924. While in South Dakota, Borglum toured Custer State Park, spent the night at Sylvan Lake and climbed Harney Peak. Emphatically, Borglum began talking of a great national memorial in the Black Hills highlighted by carvings of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. His visit to the Black Hills encouraged Robinson and brought state and national publicity to the notion of a carved monument project in South Dakota.

Parts of the Doane Robinson Collection and all his correspondence concerning Mount Rushmore, as well as other publications and photographs concerning the National Monument, are online at the South Dakota Digital Archives, accessible at history.sd.gov/archives by finding the link to “Mount Rushmore.”

A sampling of books from the State Archives library will also be on display alongside the correspondence. Since the completion of Mount Rushmore 75 years ago numerous books have been researched and written to commemorate this historic project. These books about Borglum and Mount Rushmore are available in the research room during open hours.

Editor’s Note: Correspondence dated Aug. 20, 1924 and sent to Gutzon Borglum by Doane Robinson outlining “opportunities for heroic structures” in the Black Hills of South Dakota is now on display at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. (Courtesy South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives)

About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.