James Lincoln de la Mothe Borglum
Beeville, Bee County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in 1912 to Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore, Lincoln assisted his father on the monument’s construction. He oversaw completion after his father’s death and served as Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial until 1944. He traveled extensively in his youth due to his father’s commissions, including visits to Woodrow Wilson and the King of Denmark. In 1938, he married Beeville resident Louella Jones and in 1951 they settled in the town where he is fondly remembered for his civic duties. Granite dust from the blasting at Mount Rushmore damaged his lungs. In 1986, he passed away in Corpus Christi and is buried in San Antonio. A very active member of the community, he was appointed to the State Historical Survey Committee and participated in numerous organizations. He bred registered herefords and served as Director of the South Texas Hereford association whose trophy he also designed. He dedicated his time to Beeville with roles on the Public Schools Advisory Board, Rotary Club, Farm Bureau and Girl Scouts. Lincoln served as president of the Bee County Centennial Committee, designed the seal of Bee County, and served as Mayor Pro-tem of Beeville. His work is found at the Beeville Public Library where he also sat on the board. A gifted sculptor, gem carvers frequently consulted him and his art adorns churches in Corpus Christi and Rockport, Beeville Memorial Park Cemetery, Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Lady of Loreto located at the entrance to the Presidio de la Bahia in Goliad and a bust of his father at the Mount Rushmore Visitor Center. His creations pay homage to the great people of our nation and he faithfully served the community of Beeville and the surrounding areas of South-Central Texas.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Son of Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum, Lincoln Borglum assisted on the great carving and, after his father's death, oversaw its completion and served as the memorial's superintendent until 1944. He later settled in Beeville, where he became a beloved civic leader, sculptor, and cattle breeder until his death in 1986 — his lungs damaged by granite dust from the Rushmore blasting.
Why it matters
Borglum links a small Texas town to one of America's most iconic national monuments, carrying the story of Mount Rushmore into a life of local public service.
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Related people
- · Lincoln Borglum
- · Gutzon Borglum
Related events
- · Construction of Mount Rushmore
Themes & tags
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