The Crazy Horse Memorial | History Traveler Episode 82

[@romainnelseng3264]

In about 1956, my father, Palmer Granville Nelsen, donated a week’s work to Mr. Z, as a Cat operator and mec scraping off access for equipment to the early Monument site. He was proud to lend his skill in small measure to the cause. IOE12, AFL-CIA.

[@dougwigley8072]

My Dad visited this memorial shortly before he passed in 2006. He couldn't stop talking about how impressed he was with the magnitude of the project.

[@gavindownham9737]

The Crazy Horse memorial is a testament to perseverance in following a dream. The Little Big Horn artefacts were amazing as well. Great video to bring it all together

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Pretty cool place to see.

[@juliacarey7149]

I was there a couple weeks after this was filmed. It's really impressive. I can only imagine the blood, sweat and tears that it took to start this project. let alone continue the work. How exciting!

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Yeah, I’m pretty stoked to see it now for myself. Great video

[@nancyholston6746]

Two years ago my husband and I went on a trip out west and your last several videos have been about places we visited. We do have a souvenir rock from the monument. The vision which is still going on today is so impressive and I hope there are still people who are and will be interested in our history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Completely agree. I hope to go back in 25 years and see the progress.

[@rommellupae3447]

Love to see the images of Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Geronimo, Pontiac and Chief Joseph alongside CH's!Liked this video.

[@crazya3466]

Respect native American Indians they are a huge part of our heritage,I only hope to live up to his sight of our shared future.. cA

[@1776Angry]

@@fastwhirlwindstudio totally agree they spend more money expanding the gift shop to sell Chinese made trinkets than they do to get the rock carved. I'm 49 and doubt I'll ever see the end of it.

[@mikejripley1738]

I married one

[@TannerWilliam07]

We do not want to be part of your heritage. We want our freedom and the constitution upheld and the treatyland returned. We also reject Crazy Horse memorial, we do not carve our faces into the earth

[@williambechmann6547]

My wife and I visited this monument complex in 2016. I was very impressed with the artist, his family and the history of the local people.

[@michaelfrost4584]

I'm Australian and have not travelled to this beautiful country. Woww what beautiful buffalo's paintings and sculptures and all the marvellous artefacts. A big thank you 😊.

[@SamWatkins65]

The completed memorial will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. He reportedly said, "My lands are where my dead lie buried." His extended hand on the monument is to symbolize that statement.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't wait to see it when it's all finished.

[@flamingfrancis]

Are officials planning on naming the Warrior by his rightful Indigenous name?

[@JeffHuntsinger]

@@TheHistoryUnderground unless you live another 150 years, you wont

[@vickidooley6766]

My husband and I from Australia, visited this monumental site in 2016. Absolutely in awe of the history and artefacts. It is a beautiful well set out work of art in this top notch museum. A must see and so is Deadwood. We shall return 👍

[@mixedandknot5911]

I have followed Crazy Horse's story for years. My dream would be to travel to South Dakota and see this memorial. God bless the sculptor's family for continuing his dream. These people have suffered enough, they deserve their warrior's sculptor in history. Thank you.

[@karenmessinger9609]

I've been there. Lots of history & I'd love to see it finished.

[@dalekundtz4603]

Has improved a lot since 1990 when I saw it last. Thanks for showing the American people some of history. Wish KZbin didn't ruin things with all the commercials.

[@elviscobb5922]

I have been to MT. Rushmore but very much want to see this beautiful memorial. This memorial is such an important part of American History.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@williamgoff8351]

Love your videos I am Cherokee and this makes me very proud of our Native People

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@nancycrutcher8461]

We were there about the same time you were. But you still taught us stuff we either didn't know or didn't see. Thanks man!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That's awesome! Glad that you enjoyed it :)

[@susankraft77]

Amazing. Thank you for taking us with you on this journey. Blessings all!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@rixplace1374]

I have been following this gentleman's travels, thru the European WW2 battlefields and yes the cemetarys also, He has a very personal view point and i like his ,"wows, and oh mi gosh.His episodes about the Civil War Battlefields with a vision of the terrible horror the war wrought. I stopped at the field where Custer and his troops met their end.Walked out into the grasslands, carrying a long stick to ward off snakes, didn't see any that day. Next day saw the Indian museum and the immense sculpture, which won't be completed till long after my lifetime. I sincerely thank him for his very humble but honest look at things differently. NO over blown oratory. A few words , thats all and the pix speak for themselves

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for the kind words. That really does mean a lot. Hope that you continue to enjoy the content.

[@LizzieWestBathandBody]

Thank you for showing this all my life going back to the Black hills I understand the Dynamics of Mount Rushmore but I understand the Dynamics of the Crazy Horse monument even more. I have watched over the years how little progress has been achieved and it's heartbreaking. Thank you for all you do!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@alphalunamare]

I was there in late June 2003, I was very impressed and still am. I smuggled part of the mountain home in my luggage. As long as truth is allowed to exist then work on the mountain will continue, it may take generations, but one day in the distant future people will see it as one of the wonder's of the World.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agree. Kind of cool to see it while it's still being developed.

[@DustinsNScaleRailroad]

Pretty cool to have a small piece of the mountain as a keepsake. I visited the outdoor filming site of M*A*S*H a few years back. I have a small stone from the chopper pad.

[@raiderraza6945]

Big respect to that sculptor and artists in general. I draw stick figures and feel good about myself and here u have a man who was able to create a face from a mountain. Above all it's Crazy Horse what a great tribute to a great human being.

[@johnkelsey2482]

THAT WAS EXCELLENT....We really love that area....and since you have shown these, we are going back next year, after 10 yrs....Thank You Very Much....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome!

[@lila6117]

Beautiful sculpture carving in mountain. Would love to see it finished.

[@lynnsteiner1580]

Excellent video. I’ve been fortunate to see this monument in person as well as Mt. Rushmore. It’s a feeling that can’t be described until you see it for yourself.

[@tinameenach3026]

Thank u for recording all of this

[@codyflowers8758]

I and my family were out at crazy horse monument a few years ago when they had a very rare night blast celebration. It was amazing and we have some of the mountain rocks. The museum was great and everyone needs to see this place. Great people there

[@roadlizardcu8664]

So much history in that area, very interesting. Thank you very much for the wonderful video. Be safe and take care. Very interesting facts on the artist.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@paulacochran3424]

Didn’t know this existed, would love to see in person.

[@winkieblink7625]

I was there in 1983. The tourist center was there. The sculpture center was there. I still have the Crazy Horse Brochure. It was a phenomenal place to be and SEE then as it is now. I will NEVER forget it.

[@Sinderellaa]

I hope I live long enough to see this sites completed and there in person to see it with my own eyes.

[@alanbower1193]

That was very interesting. I've known about the Crazy Horse project for a long time but did not know many details. Thanks for filling the gaps.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sparky11976]

That is so cool to see...been there in person..thanks for sharing !!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching!

[@kylepozorski]

When I was younger my family visited Crazy Horse and as a kid it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Me and my sister took home two rocks/stones that were from the carving. About five years later, I went back on a trip for my Boy Scout troop and at that visit we stayed until the night blast. The coolest thing about that visit is where we were sat at the museum and the time from when we saw light from the blast to when we heard was almost like 2 minutes long because of the distance between (I think it’s 10 miles?) ANYWAY... I love that monument and wish to go back again sometime soon and hopefully see some progression. Thanks for showing this!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! How cool. Thanks for sharing that.

[@palerider4015]

Enlightening content - thank you. Although I’m a Brit, many many years ago, I did study at School the History of the American Civil War and the First Nation Peoples of North America. Hope to visit the Crazy Horse monument and Mount Rushmore someday. Stunning 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Well said. Thanks!

[@palerider4015]

@rebel son Thank you. I am well aware that the two are not one and the same. I was simply trying to refer to the fact that as school kids we did get some educational input into these two areas of North American History......We were taught about the main issues and battles of the American Civil War. As a separate input of lessons we were taught about the First Nation peoples of North America; their relationship/disputes with the white settlers and the issues surrounding their lands. To put it into context we were also given some insight into the relationship between the United States and Mexico, during this same period. This was back in the early 70’s and I look back in pride that we as young students had an education system that gave us the opportunity to study the history and cultural developments of other Countries. Particularly relevant today when it seems as individuals and Countries we behave in a way that we seem to be angry with one another as a first resort, borne out of mistrust through predominantly ignorance.

[@veel1973]

We visited here in 2005. And Mt Rushmore. Just awesome

[@fredohnemus7685]

This is amazing, I had never heard of this monument. I'll never see it completed, but am content knowing future generations will. It's nice to see history preserved instead of being torn down.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Completely agree.

[@vickiebruffee7653]

Totally agree!

[@LMarshall73]

I was there in 2006. Unfortunately it appears that more effort has been put into the visitor center than the sculpture. The mountain looks almost exactly like it did 15 years ago.

[@randykroells8049]

I was there in 79 and I thought the same thing. Are they still working on it?

[@denniscleveland1413]

Love this series in S Dakota...great job as usual

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

dennis cleveland 🙏🏼

[@scottstevens1657]

A simply awesome undertaking. My brother saw this . I hope to.

[@josh0g]

Crazy Horse's dying words were "All I wanted was to be left alone." A few days after I first read that, I realized that the thought is going to stay with me forever.

[@stevelubbehusen5842]

Great clip. I am glad you did a video / trip there. We stopped there on our trip back from the west in 1984 as a family. I was 15 at the time. We werein awe back then...it has been awesome to follow it's progress. i hope it is completed in our lifetime. I need to take my kids there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agree!

[@prakis1958]

I've been a contributor since the 80's. Just a small donation every year. Every year, his widow, Ruth, who has carried on his work sent a handwritten thank you up until her passing.

[@MrTValleyguy]

I have been there and found it deeply moving.

[@erikiverson6473]

As a high school history teacher I feel very fortunate to live in the Black Hills. As a life long resident, we take for granted the history of the area. I wish I would have discovered your channel sooner, I would have gladly been a tour guide! I have taken some college courses at Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials. Thanks for the videos of the area. If you ever get back here feel free to contact me and I would gladly share what I know of the history of some unique aspects of the Black Hills.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. Hope that the content on the channel proves useful to you and your students in some way.

[@oldtimefarmer3405]

I visited it a few years back it was awesome to see I hope my grandkids get to see it finished

[@juliepeaches]

Awesome video. Thank you for showing this. If you ever get down to Macon, Ga we have the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds National Historical Park. It shows how the Muskogee Creek Indians lived.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh dang. I was just down in that part of the country last month. I'm definitely planning on a return trip though. Thanks for the heads up!

[@juliepeaches]

@@TheHistoryUnderground you can catch the virtual Indian festival on their Facebook page. facebook.com/111080888947366/

[@RAKKAR7]

Amazing content, as always! Sharing places I’ve never seen nor heard of. Love it! Thank you good sir!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@pamelakern2849]

I LOVED this video!! Fascinating , wonderful information and a wonderful tribute to this magnificent Native American!!!🙏

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@hupego1]

I was there last week, the place is great! Very impressed, your video is very well done! Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Got a lot more on this channel that you may like as well.

[@joshuamccracken1498]

I personally found Crazy Horse to be so much more affecting than Mt. Rushmore. The dedication of the people involved and the belief they have in the project is inspiring. A rock from the blast site continues to occupy a place of honor in my living room.

[@pamlovell9125]

Headed there next week with the family! I have always wanted to see this! Awesome video!

[@jeffkenyon1145]

I first saw Crazy Horse in 1969, when I was 5 years old. I next saw it in 1999, when I was 35. I'll be seeing it again for the third time this Summer 2021, and I'm now 57. It's mind-blowing to think it's taken as long as it has to get it to the point it's now at. For me, it's even more mind-blowing to think that at the current pace, it probably won't be complete in my lifetime. Facinating.

[@kristennagy6766]

I was there 37 years ago when it was a dirt road and just and outline on the mountain. I went there again 21 years later and wow what a difference.it is lovely and peaceful place.

[@billvilla7799]

Another great video. I had the pleasure of seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial. Never knew the artist was the one that did Wild Bill's statue...learn something new every day!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I was pretty shocked when I saw that. Fortunately, I'd been to Deadwood before I went here or else I might not have noticed it.

[@billvilla7799]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Ya...we went the other direction...Crazy Horse first then Deadwood and never made the connection.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Bill Villa - The Wild Bill statue is kind of in an obscure part of Deadwood, so it’s be easy to miss. I just happened to park by it.

[@marcellino1956]

I really enjoyed this....great work young man

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@amandahirschfeld7382]

I would love to visit.I don't think it will be done before I die,but I hope it gets finished. Amazing tribute to the native americans❤

[@timf2279]

Probably until your great grandchildren die.

[@SandyR1963]

Just came back from Crazy Horse. You can take a van to the face and can walk on the arm. It was awesome to touch the face of Crazy Horse. These trip will be done when arm is finished.

[@billyballa7002]

I was there in 98 and Crazy Horse impressed me more than Rushmore

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It really is something else.

[@judybeeding1813]

I don't even care to go back to Rushmore.

[@willmoore8708]

I was there, back in '98. It's cool to see how much it's progressed since.

[@tkrismilford3300]

I am Cree Indian but am always looking up my Sioux brothers and sister's

[@TannerWilliam07]

Aho, our Nations had treaties and trade agreements with each other long before the Americans came

[@Petskiiii]

Great job, keep it up!👊 greetings from Finland !

[@UDPride]

I was there in 2017 and took the same bus tour. The memorial spokepeople said they hope to have it completed by 2100. Think about that...a carving that will take 150 years to finish. Its all been financed through private giving.

[@nicklrrueckert]

the production of your work is absolutely amazing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching :)

[@tracysrocket]

Love these videos, wish you would extend them a bit longer.

[@gaylewilliamson9183]

Oh my,what a talented man to even start the project.Ever since I was a little girl I've been interested in Native Amicans,I read about the differences in their dress and now I go to Pow wow s.I love the ladies Shaw dance.Somw of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen.,dancing with mother's shawls passed down.and the wedding attire of the bride's each tribe was different. Love history .Thank you.I sure I won't get to see it finished but to know what it will look like is wonderful.God Bless you and stay safe.👍😍💟🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it.

[@DustinsNScaleRailroad]

Glad you had a bus to go down there. When I was there in 2016, we had to walk it. But it was the birthday of the carver, and you could go to the bottom and visit his grave. He is buried in the rock at the base.

[@lindseyfw2903]

Very well done video! Love it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@klsc8510]

JD, I was there in 1983 when I was stationed at Elsworth AFB just outside of Rapid City to the East. At first glance, it didn't seem that much had been done. Later I could see so much had been removed lower down. We are a great nation that can honor our past in ways like this.

[@glennwhittaker197]

Awesome! 👏🏻🐴 Thank you once again mate 🇬🇧🤜🏻🤛🏻🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@snotlef5695]

It looks a lot better than it did in '73. All I remember is a flat table top with a hole in it, no face or other details. Anxious to see it again.

[@SuperScottCrawford]

Great video. Very respectful. First time viewer. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Hope that you continue to enjoy the content on the channel.

[@MyVaultboy101]

I lived in Deadwood South Dakota for many years, but never once visited Mt. Rushmore. However, I've seen and visited Crazy Horse over a dozen times, I'm from the Cherokee Nation, but the Lakota tribe is so beautiful.

[@judybeeding1813]

Have known the Zs for years. Been up on the arm several times before the public was allowed. There is so much small detailing to be done. Will take a long time, but it will get finished. I have a fairly large piece of the mountain that Ruth gave my Mom and Dad years ago. It's in my flower bed.

[@williamredman6746]

Awesome scenery, Sculpture of Crazy Horse is small token in comparison to what was stolen from all North American Tribes! Progress is being made by people with conscious effort

[@blackietotheend]

Love your excitement . Excellent video, amazing monument

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Enjoyed your video young man, I have learnt such a lot from your web site.kind regards from Worcestershire UK

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you! Definitely hope to get over to your country as soon as this crazy pandemic is over.

[@Carolbearce]

Beautiful, I can’t wait to see it finished. Lol, I might not be alive to see it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You and me both!

[@ezymk69]

It’s taken almost 100 years to get that far.

[@stephenmonchak104]

@@ezymk69 It is a money sink... Hate to say it but thats what it is. They use it and make millions a year.

[@judybeeding1813]

They take no money from the government, relies on donations. It is not a money making thing for the family. It goes to projects to help the indians.

[@stephenmonchak104]

It will not be finished and at this point most every monument or statue is being ripped down. They are making money off of the tourism and yes they do take money from the feds. All native Americans do.

[@Wreckdiver59]

I saw one or two specials on the monument years ago (Discovery or History channel). I had no idea it was still being worked on. Thanks for the video 👍.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@carlgomm9699]

Such a nice show, I've been among the Lakota Sioux many times over and I find them to be amazing to be around, please keep up the good work !!

[@grghndy]

Facinating. Thank you. When is it due to be completed?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Not sure on that one. I think that funding has a lot to do with it.

[@benjaminrush4443]

What a Tribute! Thank you.

[@andynjw1163]

That was brilliant thank you always been fascinated with wild west history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevehise6207]

Great video!! We visited 2002-3 , it still looks the same. They have a great vision, including a college at the base, but I would think at the pace they are going maybe a 100 more years. We would definitely visit again as the museum is first class and the sculpture is awesome!! Thanks for letting us accompany you on your journeys. God bless

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hopefully they finish a little sooner than that. Pretty amazing place though.

[@seosamhfiannachta434]

I wish they could get the carving completed. It really is magnificent. I will only have to imagine what it will look like when it is completed.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I agree. I'd really like to see that thing completed.

[@BilgePump]

They been working on it since 1948.

[@scottmcaroo2445]

Love the channel, great stuff.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching.

[@penv5632]

Very cool... I love going there. Did you know the sculptor and his wife are buried at the base in a crypt?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I didn't! Dang. I somehow missed that fact while I was there.

[@judybeeding1813]

He built his tomb inside, I think Ruth is buried outside.

[@penv5632]

Thank you for for correcting me… the sculptor is in the tomb but Ruth and the kids are buried in the family cemetery on the grounds in front of the tomb.

[@mcarroll598]

Fascinating, great video!

[@ginaheller333]

Thanks! You have awesome content!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@Taterfried]

I went there in 2010 and it looks no different. How have they been working on this since 1940??

[@kathy0698]

Pretty cool.....seems like this sculpture is never going to get finished.

[@michelehurt9258]

Great video, keep them coming.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks, will do!

[@davidking909]

Great visit. Was there 2 years ago

[@Rolldamntide]

Love the channel sir👍 found this channel through your Smithsonian vids and so glad I did....You are a great steward of history unbiased and I really appreciate that these days ....I've actually been to the Crazy Horse monument and you have no idea of the immense scale of it until you're actually there ..... Keep making great vids man🤘👍💯

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you! I really appreciate that 🙏🏼

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Now I’m really stoked to go see it for myself. Great video

[@vawterb]

I totally agree with your statements at the end of the video. Thank you for the video and the work it took to make it. Thank you also for taking us on this journey!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wallytverstol8627]

It has not changed since my last visit in the early 1990s. I lived there in 1975

[@luciledevries478]

I can't wait to see that someday

[@XHollisWood]

Fascinating bit of History. Thank you for sharing your travels and adventures. I believe my research on “Crazy Horse” quote’s was Classic regarding his fierce warrior heart. “ Crazy Horse” once answered a question by stating “He has Two Wolf’s living within him”. “One good, one evil, whichever one he feeds will take over deep inside him and he becomes”. Incredible and inspiring Chief ✨

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely a fascinating figure. Once I get through all of the unread books on my shelf, I'd like to do a little bit more reading on him.

[@XHollisWood]

The History Underground 👍 Since Retiring from a Career of Firefighter & some Homeland Security Work... that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Catch up on my stacks of purchase books. ✌️

[@billd.iniowa2263]

@@TheHistoryUnderground "My land is where my people are buried." He never let himself be photographed. He shunned white man's technology. If he were alive today he would be labeled an anti U.S extremist.

[@davelombard691]

We visited in 2012. The family wanted people to know that the reason the memorial has taken so long to finish is that the sculptor and his descendants will not take federal money to finance the project, relying instead on private donations. (Sorry, just watched your ending about the same thing.)

[@catman8670]

To carve anyones face without a photo or drawing depicting that person is a puzzle to me