President's Day

While the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "Presidents' Day."

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills in Keystone, South Dakota. Sculpted by Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The side of the mountain features 18-meter (60-foot) sculptures of the heads of four United States presidents from left to right: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

These four Presidents were chosen for this monumental sculpture for the following reasons:

George Washington – He was the first president and represents the foundation of American democracy.

Thomas Jefferson – With the Louisiana Purchase, he greatly expanded the nation. He was also the author of the Declaration of Independence.

Theodore Roosevelt – He not only represents the industrial development of the nation but was also widely known for conservation efforts.

Abraham Lincoln – As the president during the US Civil War, he represents the preservation of the nation above all costs.