Crazy Horse Mountain - Memorial

[goldenearring]

If you are ever in the South Dakota Black Hills near Custer, please take the time to stop by here and support this.  I was in tears by the time I had watched the introductory video and spent time going through the North American Indian Museum.  The effort is completely self-reliant, rejecting all offers of government funding, and being financed only by "the interested public."  The vision and passion behind this is a truly inspirational lesson.  The tragedy of what was lost culturally and spiritually in terms of the Native Americans senselessly murdered or driven to despair/death back in the Black Hills gold rush days has a chance to make a huge positive impact in many lives as this Crazy Horse project works its way to fruition.  Look it up on the web if you've never checked into it.  It is a wonderful testament to those who would "Dream Big" and believe that their goals can be achieved.



I was sad to see that so little had been done with the mountain carving, since it has been a looooooooooong time since I last visited, but once I took the time to learn how they are going about this and why, I now have "Crazy Horse" fever!  Has anyone else been there?

[marieh2000]

I haven't been there, but I've seen programs on TV about it.  Hubby and in-laws and I were planning a trip out west this summer and this was going to be one of our stops along the way, along with Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon and others.  But, our daughter decided to get married, so we're paying for a wedding instead of a vacation!!  Oh well, maybe next year.  Is there a particular web address for the memorial?





Marie

 

[goldenearring]

www.encyclopedia.com/articles/03250.html





This is all I can find, besides the Mount Rushmore gift shop which, doubtless, has info on it, too.  I didn't check that out.  Search term was "Crazy Horse memorial."

Congrats on the wedding - - sounds like a lot more work (and money!) than vacation, but should be fun.  Hope you get your vacation soon!

[countrigal]

I used to go past the monument 3-4 times a year and each year I would wonder what was taking so long... Finally my father stopped and we went and saw it, walked around and learned all that you mentioned.  I have looked at it whenever I feel like quitting or giving up and realise that I can't because of what they're doing and how.  Growing up near there I learned a lot of history that isn't normally taught to kids in other areas, and the depth of our education on Native Americans was extensive compared to what other students receive in other states.  There's a lot of pride in those hills, along with a lot of tears, sweat and courage.  This is a great cause, and worth a couple of dollars from anyone who cares to perserve history.

[goldenearring]

OK, so "GE" isn't a mainstream name.  How's about "GE-na"?  (Promise I'll get more sleep tonight (I hope!)

[goldenearring]

See I'm sleep-posting, in the wrong area.  So, back on task here.  Yes, CG, I didn't realize (because I've never taken the time to dig in) that there were many more Indian chiefs than Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse.  Isn't it fascinating how our minds can be so easily steered by the omission of what I consider now to be vital facts in our country's history?  I wonder how some of the people who created textbooks and the like slept at night knowing that they were choosing to ignore the contributions made by Native Americans.  They had to understand the consequences of leaving that information out of there.  And, gee, wasn't that done to a large extent with African Americans?   OK, hon, I don't have as much time to get into this discussion as I would like today.  But, you know there will be others with opinions on the above.  I owe the dedication of my remaining-awake brain cells to my employer.  Gee, it's nice to know they missed me with all this stuff that piled up in just a few days!  If you know of some relatively unbiased authors on Native American history, in particular, those who have detailed the history of SD/WY/NE, I am highly interested in that.  Or, perhaps, a website???  Ideally, looking for the one quintessential book that would give me enough accurate facts to be considered less-than-ignorant.

[countrigal]

Since most of my reading and education was through school and having grown up with it, I'll have to ask around to see if I can find any books or websites that would be helpful, unbiased, and truthful.



Work now... and sleep good.... we'll expect to see you back to your posting self soon.  

[goldenearring]

Unfortunately, today, I have the attention span of a 5-year old in Lego Land for the first time.  Not getting too much done, but dang-it, I look reeeeaaally good today.  Even my hair cooperated on the first try this a.m.  Just a kindness from God, in light of the lack of sleep, I suppose.  Talk to you later!

[phoenix55]

I'm sitting here reading your replies and feeling even worse and worse.  My grandfather was Native American and unfortunately, I know very, very little about that side of the family.  I know...shame on me.  I encourage my kids to learn along with me and have been making a concerted effort of late to learn even more.



I have seen TV programs on and subsequently read material on the Crazy Horse project.  I found it very touching.