DAY 9: MT RUSHMORE, CUSTER STATE PARK, WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARKWe drove through the Iron Mountain Highway on the way to Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Three tunnels were blasted to frame the then emerging Mt Rushmore faces. Then a road was designed to connect the three tunnels, requiring corkscrew spirals and pigtail bridges.
“Hence, let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces to show prosperity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away.” – Gutzon Borglum, creator of Mt Rushmore carvings
FAST FACT:
Wind Cave National Park boasts the fourth longest cave in the world. It is very complex, with 129 miles of cave under one square mile. And the caves are only 5-10% explored. Yet, it took two years in Congress to get the area designated as a national park.
2 comments:
Terrific picture! I was unaware of the caves... great information. I'm so glad you included it in your blog.
Great shot! What a cool cave, I cna't imagine the twists and turns it would have.
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