Scott's Grave

Wilson Alexander Scott, 1818-1859, once told friends: "When I die I want to be buried here, where I stand..." Scott's wish came true, years later. He was buried on a bluff overlooking Des Moines. Scott's gravesite is the only burial plot on the Iowa State Capitol Complex.

In 1855 Scott and other speculators offered 10 acres of land and promised to build a temporary Capitol if the state chose their side of the Des Moines River for the new State Capitol site. After a fierce struggle between east-side and west-side interests, the state accepted the Scott group's donation.

Scott died in 1859 en route to Colorado, seeking gold. His body was brought back to Des Moines and buried him according to his request. In 1923 the present marker was installed and is part of the Monuments and Memorials Tour.

Previous articles in the series:
Allison Monument
American Revolution
Bicentennial Fountain
Bicentennial Time Capsule
Centennial Time Capsule
Christopher Columbus Memorial
Cornerstone
Crocker Memorial
Daniel Cooper Memorial Tree
Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Flagpole
Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Bench
Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Sundial
Great Seal of Iowa
Japanese Bell and Bell House
Korean War Memorial
Liberty Bell
Lincoln and Tad
Martin Luther King, Jr. Tree
Memorial Bench
Mortar
Parrot Rifle
Peace Pole
Pioneer Statuary Group and Buffalo Head Drinking Fountain
Purple Heart Combat Veterans

Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 8: War Eagle Park

The statue of Chief War Eagle sits atop a high bluff over looking the Missouri & Big Sioux River's. From the bluff you can see well into south east South Dakota & north east Nebraska.

The road leading up to the top of the bluff where the statue sits is gravel & dirt. The entrance is accessable by bike, easily so in fact. The road going into the park can be ridden by bike, but some may choose to get off & walk up to the top of the bluff. Those on a mtn or hybred will have no problem at all riding to the top of the bluff where the statue is.

Also at the top is a tribute to Theophile Bruguier.

War Eagle Park is not that far from Riverside Park, maybe a mile to the east at most.

Here is more on War Eagle:
War Eagle

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

Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 2: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center & Sgt Floyd Museum

Here is Part 2 of what Sioux City has to offer for culture to the people who live here & visitors. This area was a stop during the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The Corps of Discovery went on their expedition from 1804 to 1806, very shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. From 2004 to 2006 we celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Corps of Discovery. Right before the anniversary the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center was built. Here are some pics. of the outside of it. This is but a taste of what the facility has to offer. To find out more you'll just have to come visit, I'm not going to spoil it for you.

The interpretive center is easily reached by bicycle. There is the Lewis & Clark Multi-Use paved Trail that goes right by it plus Chris Larsen Rd.

It is right next door to the Sgt. Floyd Museum.
Sgt. Floyd was the only member to die on the expedition & is buried in Sioux City atop a bluff high above I-29.

Both facilities are right on the SIoux City Riverfront & have a lot to offer.

Enjoy: