Sergeant Floyd Monument, Northeast Iowa Travel Guide

The Sergeant Floyd Monument, a towering 100-foot obelisk, stands as a solemn tribute to Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to perish during their historic exploration. Floyd, likely succumbing to a ruptured appendix in 1804, was laid to rest on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a site now commemorated by this imposing monument.The monument, constructed from Kettle River sandstone, was dedicated in 1901 and has since become a National Historic Landmark. The monument is the first landmark to receive this designation. Visitors can explore the 23-acre park surrounding the monument, taking in panoramic views of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Informative plaques detail Floyd's life, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the historical significance of the site.While at the monument, reflect on the Corps of Discovery, and the vast, uncharted territories they explored. The monument serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the westward expansion of the United States and the enduring legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.