Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial has been inspiring me since my first trip there in 1996. I took a cross country trip with an old schoolmate and we were just amazed by the story and the incredible motivation behind this under taking. Adventure Bus added the Dakota Badlands And BlackHills tour to our list of revolving tours back in 2010 and have returned six + times. Every trip to see Crazy Horse still inspires.
Brief History:
“My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes also.” – Chief Henry Standing Bear
Chief Henry Standing Bear approached Korczak Ziolkowski, a well known sculptor who had worked on Mount Rushmore in the 1930s. Korczak fought in WWII and was injured at Omaha Beach, The project finally began in 1948 once a mountain in the sacred Black Hills was chosen for the Sculpture.
Who was Crazy Horse?
Crazy Horse was a Lakota Oglala leader who opposed American encroachment of Native American lands. He fought in many famous battles including the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was killed while imprisoned in Nebraska in 1887.
What you can expect:
While visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial, you will see a film which explains the story, undertaking and the progress of the memorial. You can wander through museums featuring Native American Cultures throughout the US and watch native artisans make their crafts. A short bus ride takes us closer to the mountain to get a better view of the sculpture and to see the progress first hand.
The takeaway:
Not only will you learn about these two incredible men, Crazy Horse and Korczak Ziolkowski, you’ll be inspired by the dedication and hard work put forth to continue this monumental effort by Korczak’s family. Completion of this effort depends solely on admission and donations. Korczak and his wife Ruth and their 10 children have dedicated their lives to the completion and vision of this project.
Related Posts
Sandy’s Testimonial
Name: Sandy GarrisonWhere From: TexasAB Trips she has been on so far: Washington Coast to…
Ellen’s Testimonial
Name: Ellen BoliekWhere From: Fort Myers, FLAB Trips she has been on so far: Grand…
AB Recipe: Moo Shoo Pork Wraps
This is a terrific easy and healthy recipe! We like to serve it with an…