More than faces in stone: a monument, a story, and an American contradiction.

Carved into the rock of Mount Six Grandfathers - as it was originally called by the Lakota - Mount Rushmore is one of America's most iconic monuments... and also one of the most debated. It represents four key presidents in the country's history (Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln), but it sits on sacred lands that were taken from the Lakota Sioux people after the signing (and subsequent breaking) of treaties.

Visiting it is impressive: the sculptures are more than 18 meters high and are surrounded by a natural amphitheater, trails, museums and viewpoints. But what really makes it special is understanding all that it symbolizes, both for national pride and indigenous memory. Today, there are efforts to include native voices and promote dialogue around the site.

In this site there is not only a great work of engineering, there is also an opportunity to reflect: on the construction of history, on who has the power to tell it, and on how the same place can mean very different things to different people.

A tip: hike the Presidential Trail to see the faces from different angles, then visit the Lakota Heritage Center, just a few miles away, to complete the story.