Crazy Horse Memorial--Known by locals as the "Fifth Face" in the Black Hills, the sculpture of the legendary Lakota Chief Crazy Horse began with the dedication of the work on June 3, 1948. Over a half century later, work continues on what is expected to be the world's largest sculpture. The chief's 9-story high face has been completed and work has begun on carving the 22-story high horse's head.
Begun by the late sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski (pronounced jewel-cuff-ski), and carried on by his widow, sons, and daughters, the mountain sculpture memorial is dedicated to all American Indians.
"My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man has great heroes, too," Sioux Chief Henry Standing Bear wrote Ziolkowski in 1939, inviting him to create the mountain memorial. Seven years later, the sculptor agreed and began carving the colossal work.
When the sculpture is completed, Crazy Horse will sit astride his mount, pointing over his stallion's head to the sacred Black Hills. So large is the sculpture (563 ft. high) that all four presidents on Mount Rushmore would fit in Crazy Horse's head.
Visitors driving by the site on U.S. 16/385, 5 miles north of the town of Custer, often hear dynamite blasts, a surefire signal that work on the mountain carving is progressing. When night blasts are detonated, they tend to be among the most impressive events in the Black Hills.
In addition to viewing the carving in progress and watching an audiovisual display about the work, visitors may stop at the Indian Museum of North America at Crazy Horse, which is home to one of the most extensive collections of American Indian artifacts in the country. The museum's gift shop features authentic American Indian crafts.
