In the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, a region steeped in history and natural beauty, stand two colossal mountain carvings: Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Both are testaments to human ambition and artistic vision, yet they represent vastly different ideals and histories. This article delves into the contrasting stories, artistic styles, and cultural significance of these monumental sculptures, offering a comprehensive comparison for those contemplating a visit to this iconic American landscape.
Sculpting Dreams in Granite: Mt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore, perhaps the more widely recognized of the two, is a tribute to four revered American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Their stoic visages, each approximately 60 feet high, are etched into the granite face of the mountain, a powerful symbol of American democracy and leadership.
The story of Mt. Rushmore began in 1927 and concluded in 1941. The project was spearheaded by Gutzon Borglum, a sculptor of considerable talent and ambition. Borglum envisioned a monument that would attract tourists to the Black Hills and celebrate the nation’s founding and expansion. Each president was chosen to represent a specific aspect of American history: Washington for the nation’s birth, Jefferson for its political philosophy, Lincoln for its preservation, and Roosevelt for its 20th-century expansion and industrial prowess.
The sheer scale of Mt. Rushmore is breathtaking. The meticulous process involved using dynamite to remove vast amounts of rock, followed by the more delicate work of pneumatic drills and chisels to refine the features. Sculptors and their teams worked in precarious conditions, suspended from the mountain face, to bring Borglum’s vision to life. It is astonishing to note that this massive undertaking, completed during the Great Depression, was achieved without a single fatality among the 400 workers involved.
Visitors to Mt. Rushmore are greeted by a grand vista from the Grand View Terrace, offering panoramic views of the sculpted faces. A half-mile loop trail allows for closer inspection of the monument, leading to the base of the mountain and the sculptor’s studio, which houses exhibits detailing the construction process and Borglum’s original models. The experience is further enhanced by ranger talks that delve into the history of the monument and the lives of the presidents it depicts.
In the evening, a patriotic presentation takes place, featuring a narrator who emphasizes the presidents’ perseverance amid hardship. The ceremony culminates in a moving tribute to military veterans, who are invited onstage as the faces of Mt. Rushmore are illuminated against the night sky. This powerful display of patriotism often evokes a strong emotional response from the audience, highlighting the monument’s enduring symbolic power.
However, the story of Mt. Rushmore is not without its complexities. The Black Hills hold deep spiritual significance for the Lakota Sioux, who consider them sacred land. The carving of Mt. Rushmore on land guaranteed to the Lakota people by the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, but later seized by the U.S. government following the discovery of gold, is viewed by many Native Americans as a desecration of their heritage.
Furthermore, the legacy of Gutzon Borglum is marred by his involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. Borglum was briefly involved in sculpting a memorial at Stone Mountain, Georgia for the United Daughters of the Confederacy and became deeply involved with the KKK. While this association is not prominently displayed at the Mt. Rushmore site, it is a part of Borglum’s history. The National Park Service has made efforts to present a more complete and nuanced narrative, including addressing the controversial aspects of Borglum’s past and acknowledging the Native American perspective on the monument’s creation.
The Unfinished Dream: Crazy Horse Memorial
In stark contrast to the completed grandeur of Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial stands as an ongoing testament to one man’s dedication and a tribute to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. This colossal sculpture, still under construction, depicts Crazy Horse riding his horse, pointing towards the horizon. When completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world, dwarfing Mt. Rushmore in scale.
The idea for the Crazy Horse Memorial originated with Chief Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder who sought to honor the legacy of Crazy Horse and the Native American people. In 1939, he invited Korczak Ziolkowski, a Polish-American sculptor, to undertake the project. Ziolkowski, driven by a deep respect for Native American culture and a passion for monumental sculpture, accepted the challenge.
Work on the Crazy Horse Memorial began in 1948 and has continued ever since, primarily funded by private donations and admission fees. Ziolkowski steadfastly refused government funding, determined to maintain the project’s independence. Following Ziolkowski’s death in 1982, his wife, Ruth, and their ten children have continued his work, guided by his vision and determination.
The sheer scale of the Crazy Horse Memorial is staggering. The face of Crazy Horse alone is nine stories high. The completed sculpture will measure 641 feet high and 563 feet long. The process of carving the mountain involves using dynamite to remove massive amounts of rock, followed by more precise sculpting techniques to shape the features of the horse and rider.
Visitors to the Crazy Horse Memorial can witness the ongoing progress of the sculpture from various vantage points. The visitor complex includes a museum, a cultural center, and an education center, offering insights into the history of Crazy Horse, the Lakota culture, and the construction of the memorial. Bus tours provide closer access to the mountain, allowing visitors to appreciate the immense scale of the project.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Crazy Horse Memorial is its commitment to education and cultural preservation. The memorial foundation provides scholarships for Native American students and supports various cultural programs. The complex also includes the Indian Museum of North America, showcasing Native American art and artifacts from across the continent.
Despite its noble intentions, the Crazy Horse Memorial has also faced criticism from some members of the Native American community. Some argue that carving a mountain into a monument, even in honor of a Native American hero, is a desecration of sacred land. Others question the accuracy of the depiction, as no known photographs of Crazy Horse exist. However, the Ziolkowski family maintains that the sculpture is intended as a symbolic representation of Crazy Horse’s spirit and values.
Contrasting Legacies, Shared Landscape
Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial stand as contrasting symbols within the same landscape. Mt. Rushmore represents American democracy and the achievements of its leaders, while the Crazy Horse Memorial honors a Native American hero and the resilience of the Lakota people. Both monuments are testaments to human ambition and the power of art to shape our understanding of history and culture.
While both projects utilize similar sculpting techniques, their funding models and completion status differ significantly. Mt. Rushmore was largely funded by the federal government and completed within a relatively short timeframe, while the Crazy Horse Memorial relies on private funding and remains a work in progress decades after its inception.
Ultimately, whether one prefers the completed grandeur of Mt. Rushmore or the ongoing saga of the Crazy Horse Memorial is a matter of personal preference. Both monuments offer unique and compelling experiences, inviting visitors to contemplate the complex history and diverse cultures of the American West. They stand as enduring reminders of the dreams and aspirations that have shaped this nation, etched forever into the face of the Black Hills.