Page 82 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

250

ART AND CULTURE FORGET

MT RUSHMORE?

THE BUILD-UP Mount Rushmore, which was
completed in 1941, is one of the most iconic
images in America. Whether or not its patent
nationalism appeals, the sheer scale of the
monument is impressive. So too is the story of
how 400 workers blasted and carved it out of a
granite ridge at a height of 5,725 ft (1,745 m).
You can’t help marveling at such details as
George Washington’s nose or Theodore
Roosevelt’s moustache, as well as at the
beautiful scenery of the Black Hills.

THE LETDOWN The presentations given to
visitors are staunchly patriotic in tone, and
some of the monument’s symbolism may be lost
on those who aren’t familiar with American
ABOVE The giant sculpture of Crazy Horse from below, South Dakota history. Mount Rushmore is highly popular
in summer, so expect crowds.
Crazy outstretched arm pointing towards the southeast GOING ANYWAY? Bring binoculars to better

see the sculpted details and to spot mountain
– a gesture that is meant to recall his poignant
Horse words: “My lands are where my dead lie buried.” goats clambering around the noble faces. Arrive
early to beat the crowds and catch the clear
Work on the sculpture started in 1948 when
morning light. Observe how the faces appear
vs Mt. Rushmore Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear asked Korczak to change with the movement of the sun.
Ziolkowski, a Polish-American sculptor who had
worked on Mount Rushmore, to design a monument
honoring Native American people. Crazy Horse
The world’s largest sculpture in the making never allowed himself to be photographed, so
stands head and shoulders above Mt. Rushmore rather than being an exact likeness, this sculpture
represents the spirit of Native America. The face,
measuring 87 ft (27 m) high, was completed in
NEED TO KNOW
1998. Workers are now blocking out the horse’s
LOCATION The Crazy Horse head, and depending on what is happening on
Memorial is in the Black Hills $ "/"%"
of South Dakota near Custer, 4FBUUMF the day you visit, you may be able to see and hear
about 40 miles (65 km) the explosive blasts used to shape the rock before
southwest of Rapid City $3";: )034&
4BO 'SBODJTDP carving begins. When it is completed, the sculpture ABOVE The heads of four US presidents carved out of the
VISITORS PER 8BTIJOHUPO % $ rock at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
YEAR 1 million of Crazy Horse will be 563 ft (172 m) high and
-PT "OHFMFT 6 4 "
DAYTIME 641 ft (195 m) long, dwarfing Mount Rushmore.
TEMPERATURES The enormous sculpture was unfinished
Jan: 22°F (-6°C); Apr: 45°F (7°C);
Jul: 72°F (22°C); Oct: 48°F (9°C) .&9*$0 when Ziolkowski died in 1982, and his wife and
sons have continued his work. Ziolkowski refused
to accept government funds, believing it would PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Carved into a granite outcrop in South Dakota’s compromise the project’s cultural and educational
Getting There and Around Where to Stay
Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is one of America’s mission, so this work-in-progress is entirely funded
Flights go from major US cities The Victorian Custer Mansion
most patriotic landmarks. Here, the 60-ft (18-m) by donations and admission fees. to Rapid City Regional Airport, Bed and Breakfast (www.
faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, which is 40 miles (65 km) away custermansionbb.com) has
Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt gaze from Crazy Horse. You will need charming rooms and serves
out across the Great Plains. Journey 17 miles (25 km) a car to drive to the monument. hearty breakfasts.
Several car-rental companies are When to Go
to the southwest, however, and you’ll see a newer,
located at the airport. Spring and fall have the most
larger, and equally impressive sculpture slowly pleasant temperatures and
Where to Eat
being carved out of another mountain. fewer crowds than the summer.
Diners, cafés, and steakhouses in
The monument depicts Native-American hero the area serve regional fare, such Budget per Day for Two
Crazy Horse, the Lakota warrior who defeated as burgers, steaks, and buffalo. US$200 including admission,
General Custer at the 1876 Battle of the Little The Steak ‘n Ribs Place (www. accommodations, transportation
and food.
Bighorn, and is chiseled out of Thunderhead steaknribsrestaurant.com) in
nearby Custer is set in a handsome Website
Mountain, a site considered sacred by some tribes.
bank building dating from 1881. www.crazyhorse.org
The figure sits astride a galloping horse and has an ABOVE Model showing what the finished monument will look like

15/4/09 16:42:06
US250-251_art_crazy_horse.indd 250
250-251_art_crazy_horse.indd 250 16/4/09 11:43:56