#61: Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial

I've wanted to go to see the Crazy Horse Memorial ever since I learned about it. It is about 15 miles from Mt. Rushmore, just outside of Custer, SD. Begun in 1948, it is going to be a memorial of the Indian leader, Crazy Horse. Though his face is the only thing sculpted so far, when finished he will be riding atop his horse, pointing to the East (After loosing a battle for their land, an American general asked him, "Where are your lands now?" Crazy Horse pointed East and said, "My land is where my dead lie buried.") Entirely privately funded by donations, and entry fees to view the memorial, the original sculptor has passed away, but 7 of his 10 children continue the work on the mountain.

I found the Crazy Horse Memorial to be much more impressive than Mt. Rushmore. Part of this is just because of where my loyalties lie when it comes to the history of this country. I am much more impressed with the Crazy Horses of History than with the George Washingtons and Teddy Roosevelts. My sympathy lies with those who fought to protect their land and their dignity, rather than those that fought to steal land under a guise for freedom for all (read: rich white men). And so the Crazy Horse Memorial had a much more emotional appeal to it than Mt. Rushmore for me. Also, it is SO BIG! All four heads of Mt. Rushmore would fit inside Crazy Horse's head, with some room to spare.

Here's a contrast of the model (what it will look like finished) with a better view of what it looks like now: