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 with Gwen Wright
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
-
Related Investigation
Szyk Picture
Could these be early drawings of America's most influential political cartoonist?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Thomas Edison's House
Was this New Jersey home built by inventor Thomas Edison?
-
Related Investigation
Civil War Letters
What can these letters reveal about a racially-charged massacre on a Civil War battlefield?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Unwed Mother's Home
Is this small medallion enough information to help a woman find her birth parents?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Face Jug
What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
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.