Guardians of the Black Hills: A Tale of Native American Struggle and Mount Rushmore

By Sean Whyte

Rez Life Ink Slinger

In the heart of the Black Hills, where the earth touched the sky and the wind whispered ancient secrets, the Lakota people thrived. For centuries, this land had been their home, a sacred space where the spirits of their ancestors danced in the rustling leaves and echoed through the babbling brooks. The Black Hills were more than just a place; they were a part of their very souls.

As the sun rose and set over the rugged terrain, the Lakota lived in harmony with the land, cherishing its beauty and the connection it brought them to their ancestors. But this serenity was soon to be disrupted by an encroaching force that would forever change their lives.

The Rush for the Hills

In the late 19th century, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills set off a fevered rush to the region. Prospectors and settlers flooded the once-pristine landscape, lured by the promise of wealth hidden beneath the surface. This rush to the hills brought devastation to the Lakota, who saw their sacred land desecrated by the relentless pursuit of riches.

Treaties had been signed, boundaries established, but the government's promises were easily broken in the face of greed. The United States Army, emboldened by the desire for gold, clashed with the Lakota in a series of conflicts that would become known as the Black Hills War.

The Battle of Greasy Grass

The Battle of Greasy Grass, better known as the Battle of Little Bighorn, would become one of the most iconic clashes between the Lakota and the U.S. Army. Led by Lakota leaders Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, along with other Native American allies, the Lakota Nation made a stand against the encroachment of white settlers and the violation of their sacred land.

Custer's Last Stand, as it's often called, was a moment of fierce resistance, but it also marked the beginning of the end for the Lakota's sovereignty over the Black Hills. The U.S. government responded to the defeat at Little Bighorn with even greater determination, further diminishing Lakota territory.

A Monument to the Ages

In the midst of this tumultuous period, a visionary artist by the name of Gutzon Borglum arrived in the Black Hills. He was commissioned to create a colossal monument that would not only pay tribute to American democracy but also serve as a symbol of national pride. Mount Rushmore, as it came to be known, was to feature the faces of four revered U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

The irony was not lost on the Lakota, who saw this massive sculpture being carved into the very mountains that held their sacred history. The monument's construction further deepened the wounds of a people who had already lost so much. The Black Hills, now marred by the faces of American leaders, became an enduring symbol of the ongoing struggle between the U.S. government and Native Americans.

The Broken Treaties

The history of the United States is marred by a long and painful record of broken treaties with Native American nations. The Lakota were no exception. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which had granted them the Black Hills in perpetuity, was cast aside when gold was discovered.

For decades, the Lakota fought for the return of their sacred land and compensation for the theft. Legal battles dragged on through the 20th century, but the U.S. government remained steadfast in its refusal to give up the Black Hills, leaving the Lakota with a lingering sense of injustice.

A Beacon of Hope

Despite the persistent adversity, the Lakota people maintained their cultural resilience. Elders passed down stories of their heritage, preserving the traditions and spirituality that had sustained them for centuries. These traditions became a beacon of hope, guiding the Lakota through a turbulent history.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the American Indian Movement (AIM) emerged as a powerful force for Native American rights. AIM activists drew attention to the plight of the Lakota and other indigenous nations, bringing their struggle to the forefront of national consciousness.

The Healing Process

With the passage of time, the wounds inflicted upon the Lakota began to heal, albeit slowly. The U.S. government made efforts to redress some of the historical injustices, with settlements and compensation packages offered to the Lakota. The question of the Black Hills, however, remained a thorny issue.

Despite the ongoing legal battles, the Lakota continued to advocate for the return of their sacred land. They hoped that one day, the Black Hills would be restored to their rightful owners, a symbol of reconciliation and a step toward healing the wounds of the past.

Modern Struggles

In the modern era, the Lakota people face a new set of challenges. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social disparities persist on the reservations. While some progress has been made, the struggle for economic and social equality remains an ongoing battle.

The fight to protect their cultural heritage and land from environmental degradation, such as the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, is another modern challenge the Lakota face. These issues serve as a reminder that the connection between the Lakota and the land is as vital today as it was in centuries past.

The Future of Mount Rushmore

As Mount Rushmore stands today, it is a testament to the enduring tension between the ideals of the United States and the injustices faced by the Lakota people. The monument has drawn millions of visitors, both domestic and international, who come to admire the colossal faces etched into the granite mountainside.

Some propose reimagining the monument, adding the faces of influential Native American leaders alongside the presidents. Others advocate for the removal of the monument entirely, believing that its presence perpetuates a legacy of stolen land and broken promises.

A Hope for Reconciliation

The story of the Lakota people and Mount Rushmore is a complex and poignant one, filled with moments of resilience and heartache. It is a story of a people who have faced unimaginable challenges yet continue to hold on to their heritage and their hopes for a better future.

In the spirit of reconciliation, some have called for a renewed effort to address the issue of the Black Hills, seeking a solution that respects the rights and cultural significance of the Lakota. The struggle is far from over, but there is a growing awareness of the need for healing and understanding between the Lakota and the broader American society.

As the wind continues to whisper through the Black Hills, it carries with it the voices of the past, a reminder of the struggles faced by the Lakota people and the hope for a more just and equitable future. The story of the Lakota and Mount Rushmore is a reminder that history is never truly set in stone; it is always evolving, shaped by the actions and choices of each generation. Maybe in some way the Crazy Horse Monument could be a very good thing to finish and for the people of the native culture to feel proud and to start to have some reconciliation.