One family's quest for a Native American tribute

A towering monument to one of the most revered figures in Native American history is slowly taking shape in South Dakota. Crazy Horse was among the leaders of the Lakota Sioux, who attacked and destroyed a U.S. Army regiment in 1876 -- a two-day battle that went down in history as Custer's Last Stand. The sculpture's creation began in 1947, and is likely to take more than a century to cmplete. Mark Albert traveled to Crazy Horse, South Dakota, to show us why.

[@tyjohn2378]

American people's need to know about Native American history

[@marshamoore8385]

@Lee Francis Pay no attention to this racist fool. Unless you are a racist fool too. In that case you are in good company.

[@Anthony-tf7sr]

Lee Francis nice racist

[@dsantiago1000]

Lee Francis so two people who were indigenous to America told you that all of the history taught about native Americans was a lie?

[@dsantiago1000]

Lee Francis so where are they from?

[@Mothafuckenzay]

@Lee Francis take a dna test and accept it

[@thewatcher2928]

It will be finished one day. Even if we're not around to see it, it will be finished. It is right that it should be so

[@m.a.c.8366]

wtf are you stating with your post..? can you explain the context of your post more specifically ...? ...because it make no sense as you've stated in connection with the post you are responding to.......

[@planetluna9554]

@@m.a.c.8366 I think he is saying one day it will be finished, and when it is we may not be around to see it but that's okay.

[@planetluna9554]

@Supremacy Inc. i forgot what they said but way more than 20 years

[@dojaslaxatives5566]

sCreaminOut SupremaCy damn bro go help them. 😗

[@captseamus]

As a young boy I saw Crazy Horse stone craving... it was 1958 on family vacation in a 1957 Mercury 4 dr sedan. I didn't recognize an Indian it was unrecognizable to me!! I am now 72 years old and its nice to see Crazy Horse appear! Thanks Mom and Dad for taking me to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse!!!

[@Timotheus157]

USA history. Native Americans are part of it. Crazy Horse defended his people. He was a brave warrior. The monument unites all of us to this land we call home. Salute.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Timotheus157 - I think everyone born in America is a native American.

[@monikapadilla3949]

Timotheus157 We are not part of American history but We American Natives are the only American History with our aboriginal brothers and sisters of this continent!!!!

[@cs0345]

@@monikapadilla3949 Europeans were here for hundreds of years and we formed a new American culture.

[@mari-sg7wm]

tree fiddy that doesn’t make you the native people of this land lmao

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

@@GH-oi2jf well you're wrong....only the indigenous people who had lived here for tens of thousands of years before europe even knew these two continents existed are Native to this land. The rest us are usurpers who stole the land from them.

[@lorettaposey3327]

Your father is a hero to all who knows what the Native American Indians went through. Thank you for making this happen

[@tylerlabine9360]

did you know the lakota stole the black hills from the cheyenne. the cheyenne stole it from the kiowa

[@javierolivas9671]

I am proud to be a Native American and the work of this great family is historical!!

[@thepeadair]

They are a bunch of scam artists with no native heritage who are milking this project for all it's worth. They have no intention of finishing it.

[@nikkisanford9474]

I'd stand by and for you -- and your people anytime❣❣🦅

[@robaltherobal]

@@thepeadair I think your nick should be peabrain. You and peabrain - perfect together.

[@catg8383]

Woo-Hoo! I rejoice in this amazing project! I’m Native American!

[@donovanthomas2237]

Amazing so glad CrazyHorse is honoured

[@GREENGENE18]

Fitting for the Black Hills ...much more so than that other monument. Thank you to the Ziolkowski family & to all those that have visited & donated to this iconic monument. See it thru!

[@tylerlabine9360]

its ironic that we built monuments for the people that stole the land from the lakota. now we are building a monument for the people that stole it from the cheyenne

[@kevinlee3487]

mee-tah-KOH-yeh ah-YAH-seh, we are all in this world together. Thank you for having true perspective.

[@debbiebunn6903]

I wish I would be alive to see this finished. Beautiful tribute to a GREAT WARRIOR.

[@sittingbull7580]

I really hope so!

[@sunflowersharpie]

This makes me happy in ways I don't have words for! Amazing!

[@buttgoomagoo6919]

And yet you type this nonsense

[@traviskrause8509]

The crazy horse memorial can't wait till its finished and I will be going to see it!!! They should make one of sitting bull as well!!

[@earthgreatspirt6633]

Travis Krause it’s going take a century for it to finish😥I was born in 2004 so I hopefully will still be alive to see it done

[@traviskrause8509]

@@earthgreatspirt6633 damn that sucks I really wanted to see it finished!!! Why so long anyway?

[@RS-tp3uu]

Yeah if you’ll be around in 100 years

[@rachel-5458]

Travis Krause it’s taking a while because they are relying on private donations instead of the government’s money. I went to go see it and it’s beautiful

[@RS-tp3uu]

Skyhawk Apodaca Maybe you should tell someone who has control over it. I doubt that anyone in power is looking through this comment section.

[@margerymorris7827]

If you stare at the Crazy Horse monument long enough, his spirit will converse with you. You will emerge faster and stronger than before.

[@admiralsmelling1666]

No, actually, you won't.

[@jamesgordon1520]

Just to see this is to see just how much History that has been kept hidden and it's great to see A man and his family put so much time into this, may you rest now and know that we thank you for what you put so much of your Heart and soul and time in. Blessed you and your family.🌹 😊

[@GH-oi2jf]

I’ve seen both monuments and respect them both. It isn’t a competition.

[@onlythewise1]

wrong

[@codygeewin5166]

Both aren't the same one symbolizes colonization and illegal foreign intrusion...the other celebrates l Native resilience and pays tribute to the true and original Homeland security, which Crazy horse was a member of... NATIVE FIRST..!!! NATIVE STRONG..!! .. NATIVE INDEPENDENCE...!!!

[@GH-oi2jf]

Owen Velazquez - Nobody has to stay on a reservation, anyway. Amerinds born within the United States are citizens like everyone else.

[@kathyyoung2406]

Fantastic how a dream without help from government can happen when the RIGHT PEOPLE have determination, HEART 💖, talent, promise keepers, can do this magnificent work of ART to honor CHIEF CRAZY HORSE 🐎 and All native American people, especially this GREAT LAKOTA CHIEF , LOVE seeing the magnificent work at this point, It'll probably not be finished before I fly in the clouds, JUST knowing it will be is a fantastic feat, BLESS ALL involved to bringing this to furation!

[@olddogcitypound5859]

R.I.P. CRAZY HORSE R.I.P. RUSSELL MEANS FIRST NATION FOREVER 🔥

[@dustyblue2ify]

R.I.P John Trudell

[@codygeewin5166]

NATIVE INDEPENDENCE...!!!!!!

[@olddogcitypound5859]

@Lee Francis Lee it is only free if you're white..... and before you get your undies in a bunge I'm a U.S.Army veteran (71-73.R.A) who loves this country but I despise our present administration . R.I.P. Dennis Banks R.I.P. Russell Means FIRST NATION FIRST🔥

[@arthurheidt6373]

@@olddogcitypound5859 no country is free, crazy horse was a racist

[@passi4453]

@@arthurheidt6373 i hope against whites

[@aztlan_chicano_native_worl3168]

You can hear in his voice how much he had love and respect for the natives at 2:19 he got Choke up. Respect to you Sir for helping with this hopefully my Kids will see it done and could visit it. Rast easy you are with all the Great Native American chiefs of the Americas now.

[@bobbiwolfgang]

How appropriate. An awesome tribute to the great Lakota War Chief and mystic, carved into the most sacred Black Hills which rightfully belongs to the Lakota. My time on the planet will be over by the time it is completed, but I hope I can find a way to come see it in spirit! A'HO 🐎🐢

[@favoritemartian7312]

When I came to this country in 1955 I fell in love with Native Indian Culture , their way of Life, Respect and Mindset for the world... I saw /heard and my Whole Body said YES YES YES this is the Way, the ONLY Way we were meant to live. I grew up WW 2 I won't talk about even if somebody thinks 'they understand / No way, you had to have experienced it to comprehend. I like the Native Indian Culture, although as in all LIfe Children forget and adopt to other ways sadly.

[@dblanke9106]

We need more public acknowledgments of Native Indians so that the future generations will know the truths . js

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

We learned a lot about the Native Americans in school in the 70's. I guess they don't teach it much anymore.

[@tylerlabine9360]

they just tell the good parts the lakota dont like truth much. they stole the black hills from the cheyenne. the cheyenne stole it from the kiowa

[@yj9032]

@@tylerlabine9360 nothing compared to the genocide that was perpetrated by US government

[@johnking7535]

"My land is where my dead lie buried." - Crazy Horse

[@kadamnopi3739]

native have every right..

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

Yes, they are native Americans they fought for their heritage.

[@monikapadilla3949]

Kadam Nopi I am Mexican and my mother told me that grand grand father was a Seminole from Florida but after the massacre they ran to louisiana and Texas (Coahuila my grand fathers home) texas used to be Coahuila before the us took half the land and misplaced us “The Mexican Seminoles” my grandfathers tribe ended up south of Texas in Coahuila. A whole tribe have been there and finally have. Even recognized by the Mexican government because the U S refused to acknowledge we exist.

[@hellocaldania9886]

@@martialharpistmatthew1837 They STOLE THE LAND!

[@dcchavez97]

Monika Padilla because history belongs to the winners.

[@EarthWasHere]

Kadam Nopi If that was the case so do Mexicans. California and Taxes was theirs.

[@thebridge5483]

Man how can you not be inspired by a man like that dedicated to his work wow

[@buttgoomagoo6919]

Because hes a nut

[@inyoface05]

@@buttgoomagoo6919 yeah. I'd say the same thing with the guy who made the Rushmore monument. Gotta be weirdly dedicated to these things

[@buttgoomagoo6919]

@@inyoface05 you actually took time outta your life to both THINK this and then TYPE it!!??

[@inyoface05]

@@buttgoomagoo6919 yeah... that's... typically how things work.

[@buttgoomagoo6919]

@@inyoface05 good luck with that

[@MajorStaticX]

I've been there, the Museum is really Cool, I actually had tears running down my face from reading all the poems and history, and seeing all the photos and artifacts

[@byronshiadek3289]

Thanks for sharing this Anointed video message of Native American History.

[@343shc]

I hope my grandkids can live to see it completely finished and attend the opening ceremony onsite!

[@francineroot-adler7205]

I have been there three times! A true legend!

[@MyHeart1955]

I read the story of Crazy Horse - very impressive. I'd love to see the memorial one day even if it's not finished.

[@lcthawk9412]

My father took me there to Crazyhorse memorial for the first in 1994. My dad also landed on Omaha Beach WW2 and would tell me small parts of the military service he is proud of with DD214 of Normandy campaign medal + Good Conduct medal + European African Middle Eastern campaign medal. I have his things to show his grandkids and also a mountain carved by a soldier who holds the same campaign medals and who is a great american as my dad. Rest in peace great warriors knowing the best are at watch.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Why is it taking so long? Derrrrrrrr. Its a massive, massive mountain of rock. Love this though. LOVE THIS FAMILY!!!! Keep it up you guys, its looking GREAT!!!!

[@stopglobalswarming]

It’s to keep getting funding

[@InternalLocuss]

stopglobalswarming they get no funding only donations

[@yj9032]

Because republicans hate it and they are holding his funds.

[@musicisbrilliant]

@@yj9032 No I was being sarcastic. Why is it taking so long is a dumb question that the guys asked. Have you seen the size of it, guy? It a whole freaking mountain! It should take centuries.

[@lgm5499]

Looking forward to hearing more about the University, too! Wonderful! Overdue!

[@rsanoian]

Love this, look forward to visiting this when I am in South Dakota.

[@charleswagner1724]

It’s beautiful.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Its taking so long because its a BIG, BIG dream. Great video, thank you.

[@Chongamon]

Oh, is that why? It wouldn't have anything to do with millions of dollars they received in donations and continue to receive in admissions. What incentive is there to finish it when you already have all the money and can continue to profit off it without having to finish it.

[@joshuaroberts1329]

I dream of going there..I feel like I'm part of something I don't know about. I have always had a deep connection with the birds.

[@bryceanhk1428]

I’m so proud of them

[@dan007ification]

Magnificent

[@reign8552]

I once made a comment about something Native American related....1 man called me "dirty and told me to go take a bath" and another called me "stupid" for being proud of my Native blood. I ❤️ this creation in the making!!!

[@monikapadilla3949]

Reign We north Mexicans are long lost tribe of Seminoles but we are divided by lines and have denied entrance to our own land!!!

[@monikapadilla3949]

Reign you are recognized by the world regardless of what the white thinks! Game over .. we are taking our lands back!

[@reign8552]

Monika Padilla thank you so so much . Those people don't know that I actually have an Irish grandmother lol 🙄

[@someguy2594]

I love this, it’s a tribute to an American history much older than when Europeans colonized

[@FreakinAwesome1789]

There is no pre-European history in Americas.

[@NoName-gp3zr]

Johnny Rebel Yea there is

[@americanroyalist6905]

Johnny Rebel not in the usa but latin america manage time salvage some the natives history

[@someguy2594]

Johnny Rebel that’s a pretty closed-minded statement, you’d be surprised how advanced some Native American civilizations got.

[@FreakinAwesome1789]

@@someguy2594 I wouldn't say advanced, more like primitive (primitive compared to their contemporaries) empires at best like Incas and what-not.

[@billyrose4525]

This is a great idea looking forward to seeing it completed

[@hoangkybactien7207]

👍 Noble Work. Noble Dedication. Noble Selfless Sacrifice for Public Education 🌹 👌. I salute to all those who have contributed to this Noble project.

[@marleneselzer2145]

A beautiful monument in the Black Hills to Chief Crazy Horse, Lakota Sioux. I have seen this with my husband, Glenn. Marlene.

[@jasonpearre7416]

THIS is so so great

[@cicisandy08]

It will be magnificent, and a needed tribute to the true Americans.

[@elaineburchfield8209]

Beautiful!

[@joannewinter7879]

Crazy Horse what a hero he was.. Now finally he is getting the recognition that he so deserves. Well done everyone who contributed 💜😘 Joanne (NZ,)

[@mattford6848]

Joanne Winter Sadly that isn't why this family is doing this their doing it to make money of his name Crazy House himself nor is actually family members who are still alive today would be ok with this.

[@joannewinter7879]

@@mattford6848 Wow thanks for informing me Matt. I have always seen him as a hero😘

[@mattford6848]

Joanne Winter I'm not saying he's not a hero to his people I'm just saying him nor his his living family members that are still around would want to see the secret land he fought for defaced in this way.

[@joannewinter7879]

@@mattford6848 I agree with you 😘

[@sunshinemishasmommy5352]

I never knew about this..I think it's a wonderful idea..there needs to be a monument similar to mount rushmore for the first nations of this country IMO and I hope that this wonderful thing gets finished soon..I'll put this on my bucket list of places to visit

[@AllTheBestCO]

I recently found photos that I took 20 years ago, when I was there in South Dakota. looking at them it looks the same as it did then. The construction of Mount Rushmore National Memorial took 14 years, from 1927 to 1941. The Crazy Horse Memorial is still far from finished today, but if completed would utterly dwarf Mount Rushmore. Tedious process.

[@AllTheBestCO]

Stand Tall America 2020

[@Skeptical2424]

It may be taking a lot of time to finish, but it is keeping this wonderful story a live, and keeping history in the present time!

[@tamallen3520]

BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED 👍✌🌈😘😍💗❤💚💜💙💛🤘🤗🐎🏞🐴 I pray that I'll see this finished in my lifetime.

[@beatricecallan]

Tam Allen Simply impossible, unless you’re not born yet

[@susiecolorado3821]

It's incredible. It makes Mt. Rushmore look small in size. I've gone twice. The museum has the story and pictures behind the creation. So recommend anyone who hasn't been there to go. We will be dead before it is finished though. A lot of rock to move and sculpt. There is a live cam you can look up. I love the Black Hills.

[@laman8914]

It will take another 100 years to finish, but it will be the next Wonder of the World.

[@cedrickscott283]

Been there back in the 90s,and i have to say,it is a huge and wonderful place.and still want to go back and see it again soon.

[@nita12263]

I enjoyed visiting Crazy Horse much more than Rushmore. Museum much more interesting too.

[@manacfamily8725]

What an amazing thing! Knowledge is power, and ALL PEOPLE should educate themselves MORE on the TRUE HISTORY behind ALL NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE & HISTORY. I am Chippewa & my husband is Creek. Keep the Native blood quantum ALIVE!!!

[@akimateru7980]

This is amazing..I can't wait to see it when it's done..respect..

[@kaseys4145]

It looks the same as it 25 years ago when I was there.

[@bremCZ]

It looks quite different than when i was there 20 years ago.

[@tylerlabine9360]

they probably gave up when they found out the lakota stole the black hills from the cheyenne. the cheyenne stole it from the kiowa

[@notenough1937]

Well, the family runs the non profit. Their still getting rich and the monument stalled.

[@williambechmann6547]

I have a piece of rock from the mountain which sits on my T.V. stand. An awesome venue to visit!

[@cheesycrust7795]

I love Chief Crazy Horse

[@randyventresca4152]

Magnificent sculptures and knowledge projects. I wish all the success in the World. All respect to Lakota tribe and spirit of the great Crazy Horse.

[@Rick-xy2le]

Crazy horse is my cousin and to have this made for him and Lakota means alot

[@bobgil3464]

Maybe if the Lakota Sioux braves offered to help carve the mountain they could finish a little sooner.

[@arthurmedina6175]

Awesome family!!! Much love & Respect!!

[@doesthisfacemakemelooklike535]

Do you hear that!????..... Admissions and DONATIONS!!!! GO SEE IT!!!

[@jnw60]

I have the honor to call some of this family friends. Good people.

[@danielskopp2448]

I visited this memorial while doing an Air Force Medical Training event. I was amazed then, and I am amazed now. This entire family is dedicated to finishing this. Everyone, instead of going to Europe for your vacation, visit the monuments in your own Country, The United States of America.

[@joecombs7468]

Nothing can compare you to look up at it from the base. This is AWESOME My daughter & I really enjoyed our time there.

[@cherryboy4271]

This is great that family is amazing keep the great work up

[@salortiz3528]

It’s about time 👍👍. I am not one bit surprised the government is not supporting them

[@TheSheehanjr]

I went to see this monument when they were working on it. I was 13 yrs old back in 1986

[@markcyoungblood1746]

i was stationed at Elsworth AFB in the 80s. when i went to see this monument i was overwhelmed. and to see his children taking the completion on... it's AWSOME

[@sheiladaniels9552]

Was able to go to the top 2 years ago this month. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@aztlan_chicano_native_worl3168]

"We preferred our own way of living. We were no expense to the government. All we wanted was peace and to be left alone". Crazy Horse

[@tylerlabine9360]

the lakota always forget to mention they stole the black hills from the cheyenne. the cheyenne stole it from kiowa. u should get a dictionary and lookup peace if u believe what u said

[@captain7ful]

Love you Monique , talked with you on Sept 5 th God Bless

[@rl6116]

Crazy Horse rock structure is grand. Thank you for doing this documentary.

[@friscokid9665]

I would like to donate to this project who knows where to go

[@Minibike817]

frisco kid I believe Elizabeth Warren is heading up that project

[@friscokid9665]

@@Minibike817 Nope its the federal park services

[@davidglendale2210]

You tube recommendations are getting out of hand. I visited this site over 20 years ago and just yesterday was looking up some old vacation photos (real hard copy photographs) and came across a few of the mountain. Today this video was recommended to me

[@rachelgibson1858]

Did you speak about it out loud? Because I have spoke of things and had KZbin suggest videos on what me and my fam were talking about. Truly believe they are listening. It's freaky.

[@star-qp4bi]

Incredible 😃

[@leomduffy794]

Bless the Lakota people and this man who started this amazing memorial for crazy horse. I went to South Dakota in 2012 and forever will be amazed at the work he and his family are doing.

[@HopeKing]

Not only is it interesting for non native Americans but also those of us that have loss our culture due to prejudice pressure years ago.

[@nikkisanford9474]

Well done interview, awesome sculpture -- natives are beautiful, strong and intelligent -- we should've been taking notes from them❣❣🛶🌲🐎🦅💘

[@armandofernandez8257]

I think this so Awesome Finally something to commemorate the Native American Indian,is been a long time coming,I had no Idea this was happening,more Power to you all people out there bringing this Master Piece.

[@nb6918]

Bruhh. I went to Crazy Horse in 1998 and it still looks the same. Never gonna finish.

[@barbaraepperson1551]

Thank you for doing this for CRAZY HORSE AND ALL OTHER AMERICAN INDIANS

[@codygeewin5166]

NATIVE RESILIENCE..!!! NATIVE STRONG...!!!! NATIVE INDEPENDENCE...!!!!!!

[@markogle1949]

This family and their giving will be giving back for a long time to come!

[@happy_zebra_8614]

Amazing ❤️

[@conniebabcock4045]

I've been there. It is fantastic. What great work they have done.

[@Bekrija.]

What’s ironic is in Native American culture, pointing means to get out of their land

[@roumifyouwnt2]

Crazy Horse is pointing in respone to the question "where is your land now" asked in a very disrespectful and derogatory way. His point is to show that THIS mountain IS their land. Its really quite beautiful and incredibly heartbreaking all at the same time.

[@chavezmartina34]

So beautiful

[@missanna208802]

Well as a conservation minded person, I can see why at least some nativesnthink this is a huge scar on the land when I look at the whole complex of buildings and roads and deforested areas.

[@jasonbellini7946]

Wow this is incredible! I've been thinking about a massive monument to the Native American and then I see this! Bravo!

[@admiralsmelling1666]

Try thinking of ten millions bucks for yourself.

[@nunogomes5705]

Land of the native People 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@johnconway9116]

Tashunke Witco - His Crazy Horse, a warriors warrior, defender of the poor, orphans, and widowed. An American icon for the ages!

[@ah2451]

Chief Crazy Horse looks suspiciously like the old sculptor.

[@politereminder6284]

They are just old. 😁

[@fadalegend]

This is one of the most magnificent feats ive ever seen

[@jaspalludhian3677]

America need to know this is historical monument it’s history need to teach younger generations. So sad so much history not taught in schools slavery,Native Americans must learn education about respect native Americans.......wonderful knowledge to learn.

[@sidneymartinez5752]

And you did as a gentleman you did and I honor you and honor crazy horse he will always honor you for what you did even though nowadays they don't agree with what day here but we are one