Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 9: First Brides Grave.

First Brides Grave is atop a high bluff above South Ravine Park in Sioux City. First Bride, or Rosalie Menard Leonais was believed to be the very first non-native woman married in the area that became Sioux City, Iowa.

South Ravine Park is easily accessable by bicycle & just down the hill from the Floyd Monument, I'll post about that later. But the walk or hike to the grave is not able to be done by bike. To get to the grave site there is a steep set of stairs to climb, then the trail is stepp to the top of the bluff. From there, there is a right turn & the trail goes down, then back up twice. The trail does not really wind it's way through, but is pretty narrow. It is also recommended that if someone rides bike to the park & use bike shoes they change into a differant shoe to climb the stairs & walk on the trail with. If nothing else for safety reasons. It would be very easy to slip & fall or twist an ankle because of wearing the wrong footware on the trail.

Here is more on First Brides Grave:
First Brides Grave

Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 15: Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill is located high atop a bluff at 3rd & Bluff streets over looking present day I-29 & the Missouri River.

There is a monument that was erected by the Synod of Iowa in 1913. It stands as a dedication to 3 Presbyterian Ministers who gathered at the top of the bluff to look out over the great unchurched areas & after a prayer went out to win the west for Christ in 1869.

The view from the bluff was very different when the 3 gathered there almost 140 years ago, then it is today. But it is a beautiful view as I imagine the 3 thought when they were there over looking the area they were to travel into on their journey for Christ.

This area is moderatly difficult to get to by bicycle. But only because of the steep hills that have to be ridden up to get to the top of the bluff & monument.

The pictures show the monument as well as the present day views of the valley below.

Here is more info. on the hill & monument, as well as the pics.:
Prospect Hill Presbytery
The Story of Prospect Hill
Prospect Hill