Crazy Horse

I've been asked about the Crazy Horse Memorial.

First, a little background. You really cannot travel through these states without an increased awareness of the Lakota Indians. Like all Indians, they were totally mistreated and cheated by the U.S. of A. Crazy Horse was one of the last big chiefs, and he was murdered by a drunken soldier while he was standing in a U.S. fort. The drunk stabbed him.

This land is considered sacred to the Lakota. In the memorial I remember a quote from one of the chiefs that goes something like this: They made many promises. I do not even remember how many promises they made to us. They only kept one—their promise to take our land.

The Indians decided years ago (1949) to carve out a memorial like unto Mt. Rushmore. They chose Crazy Horse as their model. the carving is taking place on granite that has a more reddish cast. It's a huge cliff, visible from the visitor's center. The head is largely finished I believe. He will be sitting on a horse, the upper portion of which will be carved in such a way as to be rising from the rock. The horse's head is now outlined, but not carved. Crazy Horse is looking out over the plain, with one arm extended and finger pointing. They are beginning to carve under the arm now.

It has taken so long primarily because of the need for money. It was conceived as a private venture and doesn't receive funds from the government. Also, even with funding, it just takes a long time for something this massive to be completed.

I don't expect to see it in my lifetime, but everyone should see it at least once. If I could figure out how to post a picture, I'd do so.