## The Mountain That Wouldn't Be Ignored: How Long Has Crazy Horse Been
Actually Working On Himself?
Let's be honest. When you hear the name "Crazy Horse Memorial," your mind probably conjures up images of a monumental sculpture, a work of art carved from the very bones of the Black Hills. You might picture a team of tireless artisans, chisels flying, sweat dripping, a Herculean effort unfolding over decades. But here's the kicker, folks: the man himself, the legendary Lakota chief Crazy Horse, hasn't exactly been putting in overtime for this project.
The real story is a whole lot more fascinating, a testament to a vision that transcends time, and a project that's become a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and, let's face it, a whole lot of granite. So, buckle up, grab a cup of something warm, and let's dive into the epic saga of the Crazy Horse Memorial.
### The "Work" Begins: A Vision Takes Shape (and How Crazy Horse Was
Not Involved)
First things first. The actual carving of the mountain didn't begin until
June 3, 1948. That's right, the man whose spirit and legacy this colossal undertaking aims to honor passed away in
1877. So, if you were imagining Crazy Horse himself on scaffolding, furiously chipping away at his own likeness, you can politely un-imagine that.
The driving force behind this mountain-sized endeavor was
Chief Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder who saw a need for a monument that would represent the pride and spirit of Native Americans. He famously wrote a letter to a Polish-American sculptor named
Korczak Ziolkowski, pleading, "My fellow warrior chiefs, my white brothers tell me that they have carved their leader, Columbus, on their great mountain. Will you carve my people's leader on your mountain?"
And thus, the "work" – the
sculpting of the mountain – began. Korczak, a man whose dedication bordered on the fanatical (in the best possible way), embraced the challenge with gusto. He initially estimated the project would take
30 years.
### The "30 Years" That Became 70+ (and Counting!)
Ah, the best-laid plans of sculptors and mountains. Korczak, bless his determined soul, was a bit optimistic. The sheer scale of the project, the technical challenges, and the constant need for funding meant that those initial 30 years stretched into... well, a lot more.
Korczak worked tirelessly for
over 50 years, often alone, before his passing in 1982. He was the bedrock, the visionary, the muscle, and the sheer willpower behind the early stages. Imagine the dedication! He lived in a simple cabin on the mountain, pouring his life's energy into bringing the vision to life.
After Korczak's passing, his children, with their mother,
Wanda, at the helm, took over the reins. They've continued the work, driven by the same passion and commitment to honoring Crazy Horse and Native American culture. So, while the mountain itself has been "under construction" since
1948, the active carving and development have spanned well over
70 years.
### Key Details That Make This Mountain Truly Crazy (and Wonderful):
*
It's Still Not Finished: This is perhaps the most mind-boggling detail. The Crazy Horse Memorial is the
largest sculpture in progress in the world. It's not just a static monument; it's a living, breathing project. The goal is for the entire figure of Crazy Horse, mounted on his horse, to be completed. Right now, you can clearly see the horse's head, Crazy Horse's face (which is
massive), and his outstretched arm.
*
The Scale is Ludicrous: Crazy Horse's face alone is
563 feet high and 441 feet long. For perspective, that's taller than the Statue of Liberty. The entire figure, when completed, will be
641 feet high and 563 feet long. You could land a Boeing 747 on his nose.
*
It's a Native American Enterprise: This isn't just a monument
to Native Americans; it's a project
by Native Americans. The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the heritage and culture of North American Indians. The ongoing work is funded by admissions to the site, donations, and educational programs.
*
The "Why" is More Important Than the "When": The ongoing nature of the carving is part of its powerful message. It represents the enduring spirit and ongoing journey of Native American cultures. It's a testament to perseverance, a refusal to be forgotten, and a declaration that their story is still being written.
*
No Government Funding (Ever!): From the very beginning, the project has been self-funded. This adds another layer of impressive dedication and autonomy to the entire endeavor.
### The Legacy Carved in Stone (and Time)
So, how long have they been working on Crazy Horse? Since
1948, in terms of initial planning and Korczak's commitment. But the true "work" has been a multi-generational, deeply personal journey of honoring a legendary chief and a vibrant culture.
The Crazy Horse Memorial isn't just a giant hole in a mountain; it's a testament to human vision, artistic ambition, and the unwavering power of a story that deserves to be told, and retold, for generations to come. And while Crazy Horse himself might be taking a well-deserved eternal rest, his spirit is very much alive, etched into the very heart of the Black Hills, a monument that continues to grow, just like the enduring legacy it celebrates.
