(#5) The Park Couldn’t Afford A Barack Obama Head
Since the park was open until 2010, you may wonder why there isn't a bust for President Barack Obama. The reason, however, was practical rather than political: the park didn't have enough money for one. Artist David Adickes wanted $60,000 to create a sculpture of the 44th president. But with barely any visitors, the park couldn't afford it. Considering the fate of the attraction and the state of the heads now, Obama is probably glad he wasn't included.
(#12) The Heads' Current Owner Hopes To Open A New Museum To House The Statues
Howard Hankins is trying to find a new home for his heads. Hankins hopes to fulfill the original promise of Presidents Park and expand it to create an educational and fun attraction for families.
Aspects of the original museum, including presidential memorabilia, a life-sized Oval Office, and a visitor center, are also in his plans; along with a fuselage from Air Force One, a collection of First Lady memorabilia, and a space dedicated to the Secret Service.
And while the owner of the heads claims they can still be repaired, their current state has gathered plenty of interest from lovers of all things abandoned.
(#1) The Heads Were Damaged When Moved To A Nearby Farm After The Park Closed
For two years after the park closed, the heads of Presidents Park fell into disrepair. Eventually, the land was auctioned off and the park became a car rental company - but the heads survived. Park owner Haley Newman asked local concrete recycler Howard Hankins to crush the heads and get rid of them. Feeling guilty about destroying the works of art, Hankins instead kept the heads and stored them on his 400-acre farm, about 10 miles from the park grounds.
Transporting 43 concrete heads weighing at least 20,000 pounds each wasn't cheap, costing Hankins about $50,000. Holes were made in the top of the heads so cranes could pick them up, and many of the presidents' necks cracked when the heads were lifted off the ground. Noses were broken, chins were scraped, and the crew made other openings as they experimented with the best methods for moving the giant sculptures. Lincoln suffered the most damage, as he was dropped and suffered a morbidly apt hole in the back of his head.
(#11) The Heads Aren't Currently Open To The Public, But Curious People Still Seek Them Out
Without a tourist attraction license, Howard Hankins can't allow the public see the heads on his property. Though many have tried visiting, Hankins often turns people away and rejects most special viewing requests. He has allowed a few people from the media to visit the heads, considering the photographs and articles good for publicity. Hankins also appears in the documentary All The Presidents' Heads, which chronicles his efforts to preserve the sculptures.
(#2) The Heads Fell Into Disrepair Because The Park Couldn't Afford Upkeep
Displayed outdoors, the heads required a lot of maintenance and upkeep. But low attendance meant the park couldn't afford many necessary repairs, and the heads began showing wear long before the park shut down. The rain and sun took their toll on the stone, and birds left stains as well. Ronald Reagan even suffered a lightning strike, which badly damaged half his face.
After the park closed, the disrepair grew worse as pieces crumbled and stains appeared that almost resembled tears. Along with damage from the move to a now-overgrown field, the heads look more horrific than presidential.
(#9) The Presidential Busts Were Inspired By A Trip To Mount Rushmore
Houston artist David Adickes decided to create the collection of heads after an inspirational visit to Mount Rushmore in the early 2000s. While stopping by the monument on his way home from Canada, he got the idea to celebrate all the US presidents. Adickes also wanted to make the experience more personal by creating sculptures "big enough to get in front of and look in the eyes."
As a Texan, Adickes believed bigger was better. He created the heads on a grand scale, noting how the Statue of Liberty is impressive due to its size and location overlooking a harbor.
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About This Tool
Mount Rushmore has 4 famous portraits of former presidents in American history that are about 18 meters high. They are Washington, Jefferson, and Roosevelt. These 4 presidents represent the 150-years history of the United States. In Latin America, The original intention of building the sculpture on Mount Rushmore was to attract more people to visit the Brak Mountain area, and it was obvious that this goal had been achieved.
Mount Rushmore has not only become one of the landmarks but also a worldwide famous tourist attraction. At the same time, under the influence of contemporary popular culture, Mount Rushmore has also derived many other meanings. The generator collected 12 pieces of information about Mount Rushmore.
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