Support provided by:
The Case:
A Nebraska man obtained a curious letter from his grandfather, who spent time on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation during the early part of the 20th Century.
The letter is from the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum, to a Lakota leader named James Red Cloud. It makes several ambiguous references to treaties between the U.S. government and the Lakota, and, moreover, to Borglum’s desire to help the tribe.
How was a leader of the Lakota people connected with creator of a monument that was regarded by many as a desecration of sacred land?
History Detectives journeys to South Dakota’s Black Hills for the answer.
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Coney Island Lions
Could this be an artifact from the bygone days of early amusement parks?
-
Related Investigation
Mankato Spoon
What does this delicate silver spoon have to do with the largest mass execution in American history?
-
Also in Season 5
3D Cuban Missile Crisis
Did this portable projection screen help save the Free World?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Lawrence Billy Club
Was this truncheon used in the famous Bread and Roses labor strike?
-
Related Investigation
Lindbergh-Sikorsky Fabric
How do the signatures on this patch of fabric connect Charles Lindbergh to another first in flight?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Lafayette China
Did the Marquis de Lafayette give this china set to the popular wife of the Patriot Mayor?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from an Emerging Modern America?
- Latest CommentI am tremendously happy i have come across this particular website. (17 hours ago)
- TwitterHappy Birthday, Bob Dylan! 71-y o today. Our premiere episode explores the Dylan guitar that changed R&R history. July 17, 9p/8p C. Watch! (2 days ago)
- FacebookIt wasn't until I sat in a class taught by Inez Turley at Mesa Community College that the study of the past became a passion for me. Who was the teacher that inspired you? --Eduardo (2 days ago)