By Tim Binnall
A group of Wyoming politicians have called for the state to create a sizeable new national monument akin to Mount Rushmore. According to a local media report, a bill recently put forward in the state's legislature would form a $40,000 task force to develop the ambitious undertaking that is aimed at honoring "important historical American figures" from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The group would be responsible for coming up with a concept for the commemorative work, which has been dubbed the 'Monument to America,' and is envisioned as being "similar in size and scope" to the massive Mount Rushmore in neighboring South Dakota.
Spearheading the monument movement is Rep. Steve Harshman, who sees the concept as something of a sequel to Mount Rushmore, which was created to celebrate the first 150 years of American history. To that end, with the country's 250th birthday being in 2026, the proposed task force would be instructed to finish their work by July 4th of next year with the plan to build the monument presumably going forward if it is ultimately passed by lawmakers. While the undoubtedly costly idea remains on the proverbial drawing board pending approval of the state legislature, Harshman believes the site would be both a boon for tourism as well as a wonderful celebration of the country's rich history.