How Much Would It Cost To Finish Crazy Horse Memorial

So, picture this: you're strolling through the Black Hills of South Dakota, minding your own business, when suddenly you come face to face with a mountain-sized sculpture of a Native American chief. No, you're not hallucinating, it's just Crazy Horse Memorial. But here's the thing, it's been a work in progress since 1948. So, let's dive into the fun, fascinating, and surprisingly expensive world of finishing this monumental task.

Blame it on the Wind

First off, let's talk about why this project has been going on longer than a soap opera. The main culprit? Mother Nature, or more specifically, the wind. This isn't your average breeze we're talking about. We're talking about winds that can reach up to 100 mph, making it impossible to work on the memorial safely. It's like trying to build a sandcastle on the beach during a hurricane.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why not just build a windbreak?" Well, that's a great idea! But remember, we're talking about a mountain-sized sculpture here. Building a windbreak that big would be like trying to build a fence around the entire state of Rhode Island. So, for now, they've got these massive tarps that they put up when the wind gets too crazy.

It's Like Building a Mountain... Because It Is

Now, let's talk about the actual cost of finishing this bad boy. The memorial is being carved out of Thunderhead Mountain, which is about 6,500 feet high. That's like building a 56-story building, but instead of steel and glass, you're using rock. And you're not using cranes or elevators, you're using dynamite and jackhammers. It's like playing a real-life game of Minecraft, but with explosives.

The memorial is expected to weigh about 8.5 million tons when it's finished. That's like having 1,500,000 elephants sitting on your lap. And speaking of elephants, did you know that the memorial is so big that it could fit the Statue of Liberty inside its head? I know, right? Talk about a big head!

Crazy Horse Monument Finished

Money, Money, Money

So, how much is this mountain-sized masterpiece going to cost? Well, it's estimated that it will take another $100 million to finish the project. That's like having a million $100 bills raining down from the sky. But don't worry, they're not asking you to chip in. The memorial is funded by private donations and admissions fees.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's a lot of money! What am I getting for my donation?" Well, besides the satisfaction of knowing you've helped create a monument that will last for centuries, you'll also get to see the world's largest mountain carving. It's like having your own personal mountain-sized artwork. Plus, you'll be supporting the Native American community, as the memorial is dedicated to honoring the culture, tradition, and living heritage of Native Americans.

Crazy Horse Memorial

It's the Thought That Counts

But here's the thing, even if they had all the money in the world, they still couldn't finish the memorial overnight. It takes time to carve a mountain, folks. The memorial is being carved at a rate of about one foot per year. That's like trying to dig a hole to China with a teaspoon. But hey, slow and steady wins the race, right?

So, there you have it. The crazy, windy, expensive, and surprisingly slow process of finishing Crazy Horse Memorial. But hey, at least it's not like that time you tried to build a sandcastle in a hurricane. Oh wait...