2005 Ben Black Elk Award
Presented to
The Ben Black Elk Award is presented annually to an individual or group whose passion and enthusiasm has greatly influenced South Dakota’s visitor industry. Peter Norbeck was behind the planning and execution of some of our most well-known, unique and most-often-talked-about visitor features. He was a man that simply did not take "no" for an answer. He forged ahead, even after engineers, contractors and planners told him his project wasn't feasible. He had a vision – actually, he had several visions – and naysayers did not deter him from reaching high to meet his goals. Norbeck greatly influenced South Dakota at a pivotal point in our state's history – primarily during the 1920's and 30's. He reached many milestones in his life, including carrying the title of Senator, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. Norbeck made lasting contributions to our state's economy – and we should remember him and laud his accomplishments. Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills was Norbeck's brainchild. He personally laid out the plan for this highway, to take full advantage of the beautiful scenery along its route. When the naysayers said the road couldn't and shouldn't be built, Norbeck responded, "It's a scenic road. To do the scenery half-justice, people should drive 20 miles-per-hour or under; to do it full justice, they should get out and walk!" The road features pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame the faces on Mount Rushmore. Turnouts take advantage of the awe-inspiring scenery. Norbeck was also one of the mighty forces behind the effort to carve Mount Rushmore. He was part of the discussion and the selection of the four presidents whose faces were carved there by Gutzon Borglum. This conservative Norwegian helped raise almost a million dollars for South Dakota's most famous visitor attraction during the years of the Great Depression. And if that's not enough, Norbeck helped establish the 71,000-acre preserve we call "Custer State Park." | ||
