01 - Crazy Horse Memorial
On to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This is a privately funded, rather than a State or Federally funded site. The Indians asked the sculptor to create a memorial to the American Indian. It was begun back in 1947 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski who believed in the free enterprise system. He felt it should be a non-profit educational and cultural, humanitarian project built by the interested public, not the taxpayer. Today, his wife and 7 of his 10 children have continued the work. The difference between here and Mt. Rushmore is amazing. No guards, and the people who are working here are doing so, actually working. But the buildings are neat, clean, modern and attractive. The souvenirs are priced lower than at any Nat. Park, and are the same quality. Local Indian artists are there to create and sell their wonderful work. We spent much more time here looking at artifacts, Indian items, and just being relaxed.
The only shame here is that, unfortunately, it will take so long to complete the work that none of us living now will get to see its completion.
Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear officially began this project in 1948 to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians. But unlike the nearby Mount Rushmore the sculptor didn't want government involvement in this project. He believed in initiative and private enterprise. After his death in 1982 his family has continued the work. Presently seven of his ten children are working on the project. Only 17 miles away from Mount Rushmore, this is a totally different site to visit. The difference is evident from the moment you enter, the Crazyhorse Memorial is friendly and welcoming and the other, government run.
