‘DON’T LOOK UP BECAUSE ALL YOU’LL SEE IS A BIG NOSTRIL’.
These words were definitely a first for me. The only place you will likely hear these words are right here in the Black Hills of South Dakota at a magnificent dream carved into a granite mountain to honor the warrior chief, Crazy Horse (unknown 1840/45 -1877).
As my guide, Gwen, and I walked out along the crushed dirt walkway/left forearm, I kept my head down and heeded her request for at least forty feet when I turned, looked up and heard her say, ‘Lynda, I would like to introduce you to Chief Crazy Horse’. I cannot put into words the elation, wonder and thrill I felt as I stood so close to this granite tribute. Standing there, in such an incredible spot, my soul was so touched that tears filled my eyes and my hands covered my gaping mouth. To stand before, and in awe, of this 86’ tall granite face was truly a profound and palpable experience for me.
As a a young child of the 1960s in the Midwest, and very thankful for a gypsy mom who would throw her kids into a small station wagon with ‘I Got You Babe’ on the radio, I was introduced to canvas tent camping in South Dakota and Colorado. This is also my first recollection of stories about the Crazy Horse monument. It wasn’t until decades later that I made my first visit as an adult.
Unlike nearby federally funded Mount Rushmore, this monument is a non-profit which exists solely on charitable donations, therefore, it is taking much more time to complete. There is, in fact, no defined completion date for the monument. American sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, did the initial blast in 1948 yet never had the opportunity to see the monument progress as he passed away in 1982. It was 1998 before the head of Crazy Horse was unveiled at the 50th anniversary, while the left hand was unveiled at the 75th anniversary, just weeks before my visit. It is estimated that in five to nine years the forearm where I stood will be completed and will no longer be accessible on tours. To walk these grounds was inspiring and somewhat breathtaking so high up. Warm memories came flooding back to me and I could almost hear my mom’s voice as she shared what some day would be.
The detail! Standing at the left thumb nail which even included a cuticle.
Left hand pointed to what is today the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (1889)
Work continues on the left fingers, unseen from monument viewing on the ground
Controversial in nature, I personally found the monument a beautiful tribute. The surrounding area today includes the Native American Museum of North America, a Native American Cultural Center and the Indian University of North America. If you travel the area, take time to visit, donate and grab an up-close tour, if you can. My late-in-the-day excursion found me on a private tour with a knowledgable guide.
Filled with gratitude I left the mountain top with a couple slightly polished granite rocks showing signs of cutting from the left hand of Crazy Horse. These rocks are now in the possession of my grandkids who hopefully will visit to see more progress than I ever will of this great Chief with his finger pointed to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, “My lands are where my people lie buried”.
Camp Dawg 