Crazy Horse Memorial
South Dakota
The Crazy Horse Memorial is an immense mountain sculpture under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota, dedicated to the Oglala Lakota war leader Crazy Horse. Initiated in 1948, the monument depicts Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing towards his tribal lands, symbolizing Native American pride and legacy. The carving is on Thunderhead Mountain, a site sacred to some Lakota people, and is planned to be the largest mountain sculpture in the world, with a final length of 641 feet and height of 563 feet. The face of Crazy Horse, completed in 1998, stands 87 feet tall, surpassing the heads at Mount Rushmore nearby. The memorial complex includes a Native American Museum of North America and a Cultural Center, promoting Indigenous history and culture. Commissioned by Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear and sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, the project is privately funded and operated by a nonprofit foundation. The memorial honors Crazy Horse's leadership in resisting U.S. government encroachment during the 19th century, notably at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Visitors can explore the ongoing sculpture, museum exhibits, and cultural programs that celebrate Native American heritage.
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Consejo: Visit during the warmer months when the Memorial is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to ensure entry and access to special tours. The site offers educational programs and discounts for groups and Native American visitors. Plan for several hours to fully experience the monument, museum, and cultural center. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the campus and check the official website for event schedules and live webcam views.
Datos interesantes
- •The face of Crazy Horse is 87 feet tall, larger than any head on Mount Rushmore.
- •The full sculpture is planned to be 641 feet long and 563 feet high, making it the largest mountain carving in the world once completed.
- •The memorial is carved out of Thunderhead Mountain, a site sacred to the Oglala Lakota people.
- •Crazy Horse Memorial was initiated without government funding, relying solely on private donations and support.
- •The project was inspired by a letter from Henry Standing Bear to sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1939, emphasizing Native American heroes.
- •Crazy Horse was posthumously honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 1982 as part of the Great Americans series.
Historia
The Crazy Horse Memorial project was commissioned in 1939 by Henry Standing Bear, an Oglala Lakota chief, who sought to honor the Native American hero Crazy Horse.
Polish-American sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, who had worked on Mount Rushmore, was recruited to create the monument.
Construction began in 1948 on Thunderhead Mountain, with no government funding, relying on private donations.
The face of Crazy Horse was completed in 1998, but the full monument remains under construction.
The project symbolizes Native American resilience and cultural pride, contrasting with the nearby Mount Rushmore, which depicts U.S.
presidents.
Over decades, the memorial has expanded to include museums and educational facilities dedicated to Native American history and culture.
Guía del lugar
Crazy Horse Face Sculpture1998
The completed face of Crazy Horse, measuring 87 feet tall, is the most prominent feature of the memorial. It symbolizes the warrior's spirit and leadership and is visible from miles around.
Mountain Carving Site1948–present
The entire mountain carving is ongoing and will depict Crazy Horse on horseback pointing towards his tribal lands. The sculpture's planned dimensions will make it the largest mountain carving in the world.
Native American Museum of North America
A museum dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Native American peoples across North America. It provides educational exhibits and artifacts that complement the monument's themes.
Native American Cultural Center
A cultural center that hosts events, educational programs, and performances to celebrate Native American traditions and contemporary culture.
Contacto
Teléfono: (605) 673-4681