If Iowa had a Mount Rushmore, Who’s Making the Cut?

Want to start an argument in record time? Simply start a discussion about Mount Rushmore. Not about the monument itself, but about the 'Mount Rushmore' of anything. Sometimes you just can't narrow down the greatest of all time to four selections. Recently, our friends at Iowa Chill attempted to do just that, asking the question: "Who Deserves to be on the Mount Rushmore of Iowa?"

Is There Someone Whom Every Iowan Would Agree On?

Probably not. But the closest to a unanimous choice for a face on the Mount Rushmore of Iowa would have to be actor John Wayne.

John Wayne was born in Winterset, Iowa, and became the most popular actor during Hollywood's Golden Age. He was a top box office draw for more than three decades and appeared in over 170 films and television programs. He starred in classic movies, including Stagecoach, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, and the movie that earned him his only Academy Award, True Grit. There is no way you can have a Mount Rushmore of Iowa without John Wayne.

After John Wayne, Who Else Should Be on Iowa's Mount Rushmore?

Here is where things get a bit tricky. What about Iowa's only president, Herbert Hoover? Late-night television legend Johnny Carson. World-renowned painter and artist Grant Wood. And don't even get me started about legendary Iowa athletes!

When you start talking about Iowa's greatest athletes, it starts with wrestling legend Dan Gable. But we can't forget about baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller, Masters champion Zach Johnson, Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. And maybe even that young WNBA star who already has her number hanging in the rafters of Carver Hawkeye Arena, Caitlin Clark.

Who Does Iowa Chill Think Should Be on Iowa's Mount Rushmore?

Iowa Chill has some big names on their Mount Rushmore, but can't decide on the fourth member. What do you think of this group?

I can't argue with 'The Duke' and Gable. But is it too soon to include Caitlin Clark? If it were up to me, and it isn't, my Mount Rushmore of Iowa would be:

1. John Wayne
2. Dan Gable
3. Grant Wood
4. Nile Kinnick

Grant Wood deserves to be recognized. His painting American Gothic is world-famous. And Nile Kinnick is Iowa's lone Heisman Trophy winner, who then died during World War II. His story and sacrifice still resonate with Iowans today.

Agree or disagree? Let us know your 'Iowa 4' for Mount Rushmore!

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