Crazy Horse Memorial Black Hills, South Dakota

Crazy Horse Memorial
June 27, 2024

I write this here as a testament to my appreciation of both the life of Crazy Horse, who he was, what he struggled against, and the artist Korczak Ziolkowski, who dedicated his life to bringing notice to these ancient lands long populated by the indigenous peoples of this continent before we Europeans arrived and in the long estbalished human process proceeded to take what we wanted at the expense of the existing peoples.

Who was Crazy Horse?

Crazy Horse, known as Tȟašúŋke Witkó in Lakota, was a prominent Oglala Lakota leader and warrior, born around 1840 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. From a young age, he was recognized for his modesty, humility, and bravery. As he grew older, Crazy Horse became a key leader in the resistance against U.S. government policies and military actions aimed at forcing Native Americans onto reservations.

Crazy Horse played a significant role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Alongside Sitting Bull and other leaders, he led a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors to a major victory over the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. This battle is one of the most famous in Native American history and marked a significant moment of resistance against U.S. expansion.

Despite his efforts to protect his people's land and way of life, Crazy Horse eventually surrendered to U.S. troops in 1877. However, his surrender did not bring peace, as he was later killed under controversial circumstances while in custody at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in the struggle of Native Americans against U.S. encroachment.

Today, Crazy Horse is remembered as a symbol of Native American resistance and a hero who fought for his people's rights. His legacy is honored through the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This ongoing project, started in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear, aims to celebrate Crazy Horse and Native American heritage. When completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world, depicting Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance.

The artist Korczak Ziolkowski

The Crazy Horse Memorial, initiated by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948, remains an ongoing project dedicated to honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and celebrating Native American heritage. Significant milestones have been achieved over the years, notably the completion of Crazy Horse's face in 1998. However, the vast scale of the project means it is still far from finished. The final sculpture is intended to depict Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance, making it the largest mountain carving in the world. The project continues to advance through the support of private donations and admission fees, maintaining its independence from government funding.

The Ziolkowski family has played a crucial role in the progress of the Crazy Horse Memorial. After Korczak Ziolkowski's death in 1982, his wife Ruth and their ten children took over the project, ensuring his vision continued. Ruth Ziolkowski, in particular, was instrumental in pushing forward with the carving, focusing on the completion of Crazy Horse's face to inspire ongoing support and funding. Today, the family's dedication remains unwavering, with several of Korczak and Ruth's children and grandchildren actively involved in various aspects of the memorial's development. Their collective efforts are a testament to the family's commitment to honoring both Crazy Horse's legacy and Korczak Ziolkowski's monumental artistic vision.