Up Next
Back to Show
American Experience
Borglum's Sculpting Technique
After his workers had blasted off the surface rock of the mountain, Gutzon Borglum spent days and nights watching how the light and shadow landed on the mountain. This process ultimately made him decide to deviate from the original plan and shift 20 degrees. Borglum built a studio size model of Mount Rushmore and proceeded to enlarge the measurements on a scale to sculpt the mountain itself.
Support Provided By
Season
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:35
The story of the polygraph, the controversial device that transformed modern justice.
1:51:34
The Iran hostage crisis through the stories of those whose ordeal riveted the world.
1:52:24
The Iran hostage crisis through the stories of those whose ordeal riveted the world.
1:52:39
Discover how bubonic plague in 1900 set off fear and anti-Asian sentiment in San Francisco
Earth Month
52:45
Explore the 1928 dam collapse, the second deadliest disaster in California history.
52:43
Three Black diplomats who broke racial barriers at the State Department during Cold War.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:39
Discover the fascinating and surprising story of this iconic American garment.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:04
William Randolph Hearst continued his rise to power and expansion into Hollywood.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:14
The life of William Randolph Hearst, who transformed the media’s role in American life.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:28
Discover the story of the Supreme Court’s first female justice - Sandra Day O'Connor.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:41
One of the best-known and most influential religious leaders of the 20th century.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:47
Part Two examines the mounting dispute over strategies and reveals the pervasive racism.