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
Mouse Toy
Could this tiny toy labeled 'Micky' be the original Mickey Mouse?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Lawrence Billy Club
Was this truncheon used in the famous Bread and Roses labor strike?
-
Related Investigation
Red Hand Flag
Is this peculiar flag one that African-American soldiers marched under in the war to end all wars?
-
Related Investigation
Carson Family Secrets
Is this book a Carson family heirloom?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
African American Comic Book
Did the makers of this 1950s comic book have more than romance on their minds?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
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.