Q: How were the presidents chosen to be on Mount Rushmore? How was their positioning on Rushmore decided?
—Kathy McDonough, Peachtree Corners
A: Sculptor Gutzon Borglum suggested George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as a way to increase interest in the project after South Dakota historian Doane Robinson originally wanted explorers Lewis and Clark, Sioux Chief Red Cloud and Buffalo Bill Cody immortalized.
It was later decided to add Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt.
Washington’s head was built first, and Jefferson’s head was moved from the right of Washington to his left after workers found the rock too weak at that location.
Author Jean L.S. Patrick, who wrote the children’s book “Who Carved the Mountain? The Story of Mount Rushmore,” wrote on her website that Washington represented the birth of the United States, Jefferson represented its growth, Lincoln represented its preservation and Roosevelt represented its development.
Borglum also had a friendship with Roosevelt.
Construction lasted from 1927 to 1941.
Q: NBC recently reported that the United States is sending 30-plus state-of-the-art jets to Iraq. Why? Do we have a treaty that requires the United States to defend a hostile nation dedicated to our destruction?
—David Lariscy, Marietta
A: The United States is supplying Iraq with 36 F-16 fighter jets to help the country combat Islamic militants.
The first four F-16s were delivered earlier this month and a State Department spokesman said the United States would help Iraq protect the jets from the group that calls itself the Islamic State.
Iraqi pilots have been training in the United States to prepare to fly the F-16s.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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