17 Unusual Urban Legends Behind the World’s Most Iconic Landmarks

3. The “Living” Faces of Mount Rushmore

While Mount Rushmore is a patriotic symbol of American history, some locals believe it is far more than a mere monument. According to one legend, the faces of the four presidents shift ever so slightly—an eyebrow raising, a lip curling—especially on moonlit nights. A trick of the light? Maybe. But some Native American groups claim the land was never meant to be disturbed and that the spirits of the Black Hills seek revenge for their desecration. One particularly eerie story tells of a night watchman who vanished without a trace in the 1970s, leaving behind only his flashlight at the base of the monument. Search teams found no clues, except for strange carvings near the site—symbols not part of the original design.