A Legacy for the Ages

The granite of the Black Hills provided the medium for two sculptors - Gutzon Borglum and Korczak Ziolowski.

In 1924, Mr. Borglum was approached by officials from South Dakota who had a dream to put their state on the map with a massive mountain memorial. When Borglum found Mount Rushmore, he exclaimed, "Here is the place! American history shall march along that skyline." In October 1927, the carving process began and continued until October 1941. He intentionally selected the four presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt - who respectively represented the birth, growth, preservation and development of our nation.

In 1948, Ziolowski began work on a massive likeness of Crazy Horse, a Sioux warrior who was born in the Black Hills. This is a memorial to all Native Americans. The people of the Oglala Sioux initiated this project, which is funded entirely by private donations, gifts and entrance fees to the memorial. Though Ziowalski died in 1982, family members continue to work to complete this amazing project.

The Black Hills represent the heart of our country.
There is something sacred and timeless about this area......