Thursday, September 18, 2008

Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 11: Sgt. Floyd Monument

Sgt. Charles Floyd was the only member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, called the Corps of Discovery to die during the trip. The adventure started in 1804 & ended in 1806. Sgt. Floyd died of what today is called appendicitis on Aug. 20, 1804 along the Missouri River at what today is Sioux City, Iowa.

When he died the members of the expedition buried him on what is now called Floyd's Bluff over looking the Missouri River. When the expedition returned to the area 2 yrs. later they had to rebury him because his body had been disturbed by what they thought was wolves.

Over the years Floyd had to be reburied multiple times because the bluff kept eroding away into the valley below. Eventually the poor guy was put in a file cabinet drawer until his permanent monument could be built. When it was he was permanently interred in it which is where he lays to this day. Unfortunately his entire remains are not buried in the monument. Part of his was lost over time because of the problem with keeping him buried on the bluff. Part of him literally washed away down the river.

There is a life size statue of him in the Sgt. Floyd Riverboat Museum & Welcome Center on the Sioux City Riverfront as well as more info. about him at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive center next to the museum.

Every year around Aug. 20 there is a reenactment of Sgt. Floyd's burial as well as a period encampment on the Sioux City Riverfront near the Sgt. Floyd Museum.

The Floyd Monument is not easily accessible by bicycle but with a little navigation & skill can be done. It is on a very busy section of business Hwy 75. If anyone would like to access it by bike please let me know & I'll advise you on the best route.

Here is more on the monument & the pics:
Sergeant Floyd Monument






















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