A monument honoring native American legend Crazy Horse is slowly taking shape high above the Black Hills of South Dakota.
For nearly 70 years, crews have been blasting millions of tons of rock off the mountain.
Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began construction in 1948. His work on Mount Rushmore drew the attention of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear who invited him to design a memorial to American Indians.
“He said my fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man had great heroes to,” Ziolkowski told CBS News’ ’60 Minutes.’
His daughter Monique now oversees the work.
Crazy Horse’s face was completed in the late 90s. Crews are now working to shape the horse’s head and Crazy Horse’s outstretched hand.
In some spots, the crews only have a few feet of rock left to remove, but finishing just the hand will take years.
Caleb Ziolkowski is the third generation of his family to work on the project.
“It is hard from a mile away to see the changes,” he said. “Since the time that I started this hand area has changed immensely.” Native Americans say whenever it’s done it will provide a valuable education and ensure Crazy Horse’s place in history.
The work is privately funded through admission fees and donations.
In addition to a museum, the master plan for the site includes an Indian University of North America.
For nearly 70 years, crews have been blasting millions of tons of rock off the mountain.
Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began construction in 1948. His work on Mount Rushmore drew the attention of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear who invited him to design a memorial to American Indians.
“He said my fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man had great heroes to,” Ziolkowski told CBS News’ ’60 Minutes.’
His daughter Monique now oversees the work.
Crazy Horse’s face was completed in the late 90s. Crews are now working to shape the horse’s head and Crazy Horse’s outstretched hand.
In some spots, the crews only have a few feet of rock left to remove, but finishing just the hand will take years.
Caleb Ziolkowski is the third generation of his family to work on the project.
“It is hard from a mile away to see the changes,” he said. “Since the time that I started this hand area has changed immensely.” Native Americans say whenever it’s done it will provide a valuable education and ensure Crazy Horse’s place in history.
The work is privately funded through admission fees and donations.
In addition to a museum, the master plan for the site includes an Indian University of North America.
VIDEO
"great heroes too."
This is awesome and history
This is a True gift to the World..
We were here on Tuesday, our second visit. Just a fantastic place to learn about Native American history. The passion runs deep at this memorial - from the museum to the artists studio to the monument itself. Amazing.
Where is this in S. Dakota? Planning to visit this part of the country soon and would love to see it.
My father served in the same unit as Korczak in WWII and they kept in touch after, my dad sent Korczaks family cookies every Christmas I remember,and we visited in the 60's. Living in Chicago area we learned about Native American history from this and not from textbooks. Ive never been back so its nice to see the video, thank you White Wolf for posting.
I am 54. I got to see it in the mid 70s. I can only wish I could see it finished. It is a magnificent statue dedicated to a strong leader.
This is awesome. I wish my mother was alive to see this.
We saw this in Sept. 2018. Amazing. Taking a while to tackle this. Really is a great tribute.
I was here 30-something years ago and absolutely no noticeable work has been done since. This "monument" looks EXACTLY the same as it did when I saw it in person. I suspect that it will NEVER be completed.
That's Amazing!✌️✊
I have been going there since the 80's and it hasn't changed much at all.
It must be...it should have been the tribes decision. No going back now 🌵
Awesome, I'm very glad to see this - a very nice respect to pay to a people who really lost out in the past. Its nothing close to enough, but sorry for Ur sacrifice. I hope that the future brings better change.
Great history about a brave Warrior. Wonderful family doing the work.
..."they had great heros TOO" TOO! TOO!!!
Would love to see this great
piece of American art.
Very cool.
Yes. It is about time now more than ever!!!
Awesome!!