Media Release: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2010

Contact: Joe Kafka or Roxy Everson, 773-3212

 

*Another in a series of notes in 2010 highlighting South Dakota’s cultural diversity

Korczak Ziolkowski, who undertook the monumental challenge of carving Thunder Mountain near Custer into Crazy Horse Memorial, has been designated as one of South Dakota’s Great Faces.

 

Ziolkowski began the project in 1948, at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear.

 

Crazy Horse was not only a great American Indian warrior, but he also is remembered for his devotion to his people and their culture.

 

Ziolkowski died in 1982, but his widow, Ruth, and the couple’s large family continue to work on the colossal mountain carving.

 

Because of significant engineering challenges, the uncertainty of weather, and the availability of financing, there is no way to predict when the sculpture will be finished. The family has refused to accept government funding, preferring contributions from private individuals and private enterprise.

 

When finished, the sculpture of Crazy Horse astride his stallion will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high.

 

 

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*Gov. Mike Rounds has declared 2010 as the Year of Unity in South Dakota – a year to renew South Dakota’s dedication to multicultural understanding and acceptance.