President Coolidge rides a lumber wagon during his summer in the Black Hills. Exact date of photo is unknown, though it was likely summer 1927. Photo courtesy SouthDakotaMagazine.com.
In 1927, President Coolidge took a three-week vacation to the Black Hills in South Dakota. He reportedly enjoyed the fresh air and mountain streams so much that he stayed for a total of three months, and his presence helped to kick start the carving of Mount Rushmore.
By the end of summer 1927, work was beginning on the famous Rushmore carving. Coolidge's full address from the opening can be read in our speech archive, but he remarks that "The fundamental principles which [these four presidents] represented have been wrought into the very being of our Country. They are steadfast as these ancient hills."
Stay tuned! Every Friday we'll highlight a whimsical item from presidential history.